Sport sports betting market seeks to protect itself
16 September 2010
By Bill Wilson
Business press reporter, BBC News
sports betting on sport is huge service.
Sport England approximates the value of spending on sport-related gambling in England grew from ₤ 1.7 bn in 1985 to ₤ 2.8 bn in 2008.
And that figure is likely to have grown even more, with an approximated ₤ 1bn bet on the World Cup alone in the UK this summertime.
Meanwhile, German research study company Sport & Markt estimates the total worldwide gaming market will deserve 263bn euros (₤ 220bn) by 2012, with much of that driven by internet and sports betting gaming.
But when the stability of events are hit the gambling industry suffers, and earnings are put under risk if clients can not bet with self-confidence.
And there can have been few higher-profile sport sports betting stories than those impacting cricket and snooker this year.
High-profile
As Sport & Markt's Gareth Moore observes: "Everyone speak about the sports betting market now.
"Not just is it a substantial market in world service, it is one that is now on the front pages of newspapers."
Four Pakistan cricketers have been questioned by police over spot-fixing accusations connecting to a test against England at Lord's last month.
Three of these players have actually said they will likewise challenge the corruption charges installed against the trio by the sport governing body the International Cricket Council.
Meanwhile, three-times snooker world champ John Higgins was cleared of match-fixing claims, however was prohibited recently for six months for failing to report the illegal technique to him to throw frames.
There are also 2 other continuing investigations - unrelated to Mr Higgins - into snooker.
bet9ja.com
'Honest'
David O'Reilly is legal counsel for Betfair, one of the UK's biggest online sporting exchanges.
"If the sport is viewed as truthful, straight and reasonable that is excellent for sports betting companies due to the fact that individuals will spend money sports betting with self-confidence," he states.
"If you take the Pakistan claims, although unassociated to the UK controlled sports betting industry ... it is not truly a favorable story for sports betting in the UK.
"That is due to the fact that the understanding is that 'cricket is now something we may need to take care about'."
'Education'
So what can be done to avoid future scandals?
According to specialists at a World sports betting Law Report conference into sports betting, the focus has to be on sportsmen and sportswomen.
As Simon Taylor of the Professional Players' Federation mentions: "The only individuals who can fix a match are the competitors or the referee."
His organisation represents males and females in 15 sports betting in the UK, being an umbrella organisation for all player organisations, such as the Professional Footballers' Association.
He believes that it is inadequate to merely have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary procedures, but that the method to take on potential concerns around players is likewise through education.
Mr Taylor says rules need to be explained clearly to gamers with clear examples, and by individuals they appreciate.
"Through informing gamers about sports betting you enhance stability and that remains in everybody's interest," he includes.
"If gamers are more difficult to corrupt then sport will be more difficult to corrupt."
'Brand damage'
Matt Johnson, head of regulative legal guidance at the Football Association, agrees.
"Prevention is much better than treatment, and we likewise make a point of telling gamers 'you are going to be caught'."
"It is imperative that sport is directly, and is seen to be straight," he includes.
"If it loses that then people don't wish to wager, that is not in gambling firms' interests, and it is not in our interests."
He stated that once a great reputation was lost, the damage to a sport was "enormous".
FA guidelines imply players are not permitted to bank on a competition in which they are included.
Mr Johnson says players have actually to be seen not to be capitalizing any inside understanding, which he states could "brand name damage" to football and its competitors.
So, even a 2nd Division gamer knocked out of the FA Cup in the fall can not bet on a Manchester United v Chelsea cup last the following spring.
"We need to overcome to players the reputational risk to the game," he says. "Once self-confidence has actually been harmed it is difficult to get it back - mud sticks."
'Overwhelmingly legal'
If this represents the "carrot" method, then maybe Nick Tofiluk, director of policy at the Gambling Commission, represents the "stick".
The Gambling Commission was set up under the Gambling Act 2005 to regulate industrial gaming in Great Britain.
An ex-chief constable of West Midlands police, Mr Tofiluk has duty for policing all sports betting in the UK apart from spread sports betting, which is the remit of the FSA.
"The overwhelming majority of sports betting wagering happening through UK operators is legal and reasonable," he says.
"But for some there is the temptation to ... corruptly interfere with the outcome of a sporting event.
"Such cheating has the prospective to weaken the integrity of a sport, and it also damages the business interests of sports betting bodies and sports betting."
The commission has actually established an internal Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to receive and distribute information to sporting authorities, wagering firms and policing authorities.
"Since 2007 we have actually experienced a considerable insight into world of corrupt sports betting," he states.
"We will signal sports betting of our issues, to assist avoid or curtail [illegal] activity"
In May 2010, the commission also presented a confidential telephone hotline for those with information or suspicions.
'Vulnerabilities'
But in a two-and-a-half year duration there has been just one criminal prosecution, a 24-year-old male who was warned for cheating in relation to greyhound racing.
However, Mr Tofiluk states there are still 8 continuous investigations, which much beneficial information has actually also been passed to sports betting authorities.
He stated that where an examination by a sport governing body was quicker, and more expense efficient, then the commission would consider ceasing a criminal examination "in favour of letting sports betting governing bodies take the lead".
Meanwhile, he says numerous of those wanting to cheat the sports betting wagering industry were experienced about sports betting and sporting individuals, and about wagering operations and the movement of cash.
"They seek out the vulnerabilities of these to assist in their business."
Related web links
World sports betting Law Report
ICC
Professional Players Federation
bet9ja.com
Professional Footballers' Association
The FA
bit.ly
Betfair
Sport & Markt
bit.ly
BLP
Gambling Commission
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Sport Betting Industry Seeks To Protect Itself
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