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Sport sports betting market looks to protect itself
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16 September 2010
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By Bill Wilson
Business press reporter, BBC News
sports betting on sport is substantial organization.
Sport England approximates the value of costs on sport-related gaming in England grew from ₤ 1.7 bn in 1985 to ₤ 2.8 bn in 2008.
Which figure is most likely to have actually grown further, with an approximated ₤ 1bn bet on the World Cup alone in the UK this summer season.
Meanwhile, German research company Sport & Markt approximates the total international gambling market will deserve 263bn euros (₤ 220bn) by 2012, with much of that driven by web and sports betting.
But when the integrity of events are struck the gambling market suffers, and profits are put under threat if consumers can not bet with self-confidence.
And there can have been few higher-profile sport sports betting stories than those affecting cricket and snooker this year.
High-profile
As Sport & Markt's Gareth Moore observes: "Everyone talks about the sports betting market now.
"Not just is it a considerable market in world business, it is one that is now on the front pages of newspapers."
Four Pakistan cricketers have been questioned by authorities over spot-fixing claims associating with a test against England at Lord's last month.
Three of these gamers have actually stated they will also challenge the corruption charges mounted against the trio by the sport governing body the International Cricket Council.
Meanwhile, three-times snooker world champion John Higgins was cleared of match-fixing claims, however was banned last week for six months for failing to report the unlawful approach to him to toss frames.
There are likewise 2 other continuing investigations - not related to Mr Higgins - into snooker.
'Honest'
David O'Reilly is legal counsel for Betfair, among the UK's greatest online sporting exchanges.
"If the sport is viewed as sincere, straight and fair that is good for sports betting firms due to the fact that people will spend money betting with self-confidence," he states.
"If you take the Pakistan accusations, although unrelated to the UK controlled sports betting market ... it is not really a positive story for betting in the UK.
"That is due to the fact that the perception is that 'cricket is now something we may have to beware about'."
'Education'
So what can be done to avoid future scandals?
According to professionals at a World sports betting Law Report conference into sports betting, the focus has to be on sportspersons and sportswomen.
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As Simon Taylor of the Professional Players' Federation mentions: "The only people 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 insufficient to simply have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary procedures, however that the method to tackle prospective problems around gamers is also through education.
Mr Taylor states rules require to be discussed clearly to gamers with clear examples, and by individuals they appreciate.
"Through informing gamers about sports betting you reinforce integrity which remains in everybody's interest," he includes.
"If players are harder to corrupt then sport will be more difficult to corrupt."
'Brand damage'
Matt Johnson, head of regulatory legal guidance at the Football Association, concurs.
"Prevention is better than cure, and we also make a point of telling players 'you are going to be captured'."
"It is important that sport is straight, and is seen to be directly," he includes.
"If it loses that then people don't desire to bet, that is not in gambling firms' interests, and it is not in our interests."
He stated that when a great reputation was lost, the damage to a sport was "enormous".
mean players are not allowed to bank on a competition in which they are involved.
Mr Johnson states players have actually to be seen not to be capitalizing any inside knowledge, which he states could cause "brand damage" to football and its competitions.
So, even a 2nd Division player knocked out of the FA Cup in the autumn can not bet on a Manchester United v Chelsea cup last the following spring.
"We have to get over to players the reputational danger to the game," he states. "Once self-confidence has been damaged it is difficult to get it back - mud sticks."
'Overwhelmingly legal'
If this represents the "carrot" approach, then possibly Nick Tofiluk, director of guideline at the Gambling Commission, represents the "stick".
The Gambling Commission was set up under the Gambling Act 2005 to regulate business sports betting in Great Britain.
An ex-chief constable of West Midlands police, Mr Tofiluk has responsibility for policing all betting in the UK apart from spread betting, which is the remit of the FSA.
"The overwhelming majority of sports betting happening through UK operators is legal and reasonable," he states.
"But for some there is the temptation to ... corruptly hinder the result of a sporting occasion.
"Such cheating has the potential to undermine the stability of a sport, and it also harms the industrial interests of sports betting bodies and sports betting."
The commission has actually developed an in-house Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to receive and disseminate details to sporting authorities, wagering firms and policing authorities.
"Since 2007 we have experienced a significant insight into world of corrupt sports betting wagering," he states.
"We will notify sports betting of our concerns, to assist prevent or reduce [unlawful] activity"
In May 2010, the commission likewise presented a private telephone hotline for those with information or suspicions.
'Vulnerabilities'
But in a two-and-a-half year period there has actually been just one criminal prosecution, a 24-year-old guy who was warned for unfaithful in relation to greyhound racing.
However, Mr Tofiluk states there are still 8 continuous investigations, and that much useful info has actually likewise been passed to sports betting authorities.
He said that where an investigation by a sport governing body was quicker, and more cost effective, then the commission would think about discontinuing a criminal investigation "in favour of letting sports betting governing bodies take the lead".
Meanwhile, he says much of those wanting to cheat the sports betting wagering industry were educated about sports betting and sporting individuals, and about betting operations and the motion of money.
"They seek out the vulnerabilities of these to assist in their enterprises."
Related internet links
World sports betting Law Report
ICC
Professional Players Federation
Professional Footballers' Association
The FA
Betfair
Sport & Markt
BLP
Gambling Commission
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Sport Betting Industry Seeks To Protect Itself
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