Sport sports betting industry wants to safeguard itself

16 September 2010

By Bill Wilson

Business press reporter, BBC News

sports betting on sport is big service.

Sport England approximates the value of spending on sport-related sports betting in England grew from ₤ 1.7 bn in 1985 to ₤ 2.8 bn in 2008.

Which figure is most likely to have actually grown even more, with an approximated ₤ 1bn bet on the World Cup alone in the UK this summer season.

Meanwhile, German research company Sport & Markt estimates the total worldwide gambling market will deserve 263bn euros (₤ 220bn) by 2012, with much of that driven by web and sports betting gaming.

But when the stability of occasions are struck the gambling market suffers, and profits are put under threat if clients can not bet with self-confidence.

And there can have been couple of higher-profile sport sports betting stories than those affecting cricket and snooker this year.

High-profile

As Sport & Markt's Gareth Moore observes: "Everyone discuss the sports betting market now.

"Not just is it a significant market in world company, it is one that is now on the front pages of newspapers."

Four Pakistan cricketers have actually been questioned by police over spot-fixing accusations associating with a test against England at Lord's last month.

Three of these players have actually said they will also challenge the corruption charges installed versus 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, but was banned last week for 6 months for failing to report the prohibited approach to him to toss frames.

There are likewise 2 other continuing examinations - unrelated to Mr Higgins - into snooker.

'Honest'

David O'Reilly is legal counsel for Betfair, one of the UK's most significant online sporting exchanges.

"If the sport is viewed as truthful, straight and reasonable that is great for betting firms because people will spend cash sports betting with 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 sports betting in the UK.

"That is because the perception is that 'cricket is now something we might have to be mindful about'."
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'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 sportspersons and sportswomen.

As Simon Taylor of the Professional Players' Federation explains: "The only people who can repair a match are the rivals or the referee."

His organisation represents guys and ladies in 15 sports betting in the UK, being an umbrella organisation for all gamer organisations, such as the Professional Footballers' Association.

He believes that it is not sufficient to merely have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary treatments, however that the way to take on possible problems around players is likewise through education.

Mr Taylor states guidelines need to be discussed plainly to gamers with clear examples, and by individuals they appreciate.

"Through informing gamers about sports betting you reinforce integrity which is in everybody's interest," he includes.

"If players are more difficult to corrupt then sport will be harder to corrupt."

'Brand damage'

Matt Johnson, head of regulative legal recommendations at the Football Association, .

"Prevention is better than cure, and we also make a point of informing gamers 'you are going to be captured'."

"It is imperative that sport is straight, and is seen to be directly," he includes.

"If it loses that then individuals don't wish to wager, that is not in gaming companies' interests, and it is not in our interests."

He stated that when a great track record was lost, the damage to a sport was "enormous".

FA guidelines imply gamers are not permitted to wager on a competitors in which they are included.

Mr Johnson says gamers need to be seen not to be capitalizing any inside knowledge, which he states could trigger "brand name damage" to football and its competitions.

So, even a 2nd Division gamer knocked out of the FA Cup in the fall can not wager 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 been damaged it is tough 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 control business gambling in Great Britain.
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An ex-chief constable of West Midlands police, Mr Tofiluk has obligation for policing all wagering in the UK apart from spread sports betting, which is the remit of the FSA.

"The frustrating bulk of sports betting happening through UK operators is legal and reasonable," he states.

"But for some there is the temptation to ... corruptly interfere with the outcome of a sporting event.

"Such cheating has the possible to weaken the integrity of a sport, and it likewise damages the commercial interests of sports betting bodies and sports betting wagering."

The commission has actually developed an in-house Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to get and share details to sporting authorities, wagering firms and policing authorities.

"Since 2007 we have actually experienced a substantial insight into world of corrupt sports betting wagering," he states.

"We will alert sports betting of our issues, to assist prevent or curtail [prohibited] activity"

In May 2010, the commission likewise introduced a personal telephone hotline for those with info or suspicions.
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'Vulnerabilities'

But in a two-and-a-half year duration there has actually been simply one prosecution, a 24-year-old guy who was cautioned for unfaithful in relation to greyhound racing.

However, Mr Tofiluk states there are still 8 ongoing investigations, which much helpful information has actually likewise been passed to sports betting authorities.

He stated that where an investigation by a sport governing body was quicker, and more cost efficient, then the commission would consider discontinuing a criminal examination "in favour of letting sports betting governing bodies take the lead".

Meanwhile, he states numerous of those seeking to cheat the sports betting wagering industry were knowledgeable about sports betting and sporting individuals, and about sports betting operations and the movement of money.

"They look for the vulnerabilities of these to assist in their enterprises."

Related internet links

World sports betting Law Report
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ICC

Professional Players Federation
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Professional Footballers' Association

The FA

Betfair

Sport & Markt

BLP

Gambling Commission