Sport wagering market looks to safeguard itself
bit.ly
16 September 2010
bet9ja.com
By Bill Wilson
Business reporter, BBC News
sports betting on sport is big organization.
Sport England approximates the value of costs on sport-related sports betting in England grew from ₤ 1.7 bn in 1985 to ₤ 2.8 bn in 2008.
And that figure is likely to have grown further, with an approximated ₤ 1bn bet on the World Cup alone in the UK this summer.
Meanwhile, German research company Sport & Markt approximates the total international gaming market will deserve 263bn euros (₤ 220bn) by 2012, with much of that driven by web and sports betting gambling.
But when the integrity of events are struck the gambling market suffers, and incomes are put under danger if consumers can not wager with self-confidence.
And there can have been couple of higher-profile sport wagering stories than those impacting cricket and snooker this year.
High-profile
As Sport & Markt's Gareth Moore observes: "Everyone discuss the sports betting gambling market now.
"Not only is it a substantial market in world service, it is one that is now on the front pages of papers."
Four Pakistan cricketers have been questioned by cops over spot-fixing accusations connecting to a test versus England at Lord's last month.
Three of these gamers have stated they will likewise challenge the corruption charges mounted 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 accusations, but was banned recently for six months for failing to report the prohibited approach to him to toss frames.
There are likewise 2 other continuing investigations - unrelated 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 perceived as truthful, straight and reasonable that is good for sports betting firms because people will invest money wagering with confidence," he says.
"If you take the Pakistan accusations, although unassociated to the UK controlled sports betting market ... it is not actually a favorable story for sports betting in the UK.
"That is because the understanding is that 'cricket is now something we might need to beware about'."
'Education'
So what can be done to prevent future scandals?
According to professionals 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 rivals 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 thinks that it is not sufficient to merely have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary procedures, however that the method to tackle potential problems around players is likewise through education.
Mr Taylor says rules need to be described clearly to gamers with clear examples, and by people they respect.
"Through informing gamers about sports betting you reinforce stability which is in everyone'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 regulatory legal recommendations at the Football Association, agrees.
"Prevention is better than treatment, and we likewise make a point of informing gamers 'you are going to be caught'."
"It is essential that sport is directly, and is seen to be straight," he adds.
"If it loses that then individuals don't want to wager, that is not in gaming companies' interests, and it is not in our interests."
He stated that when a good reputation was lost, the damage to a sport was "enormous".
FA guidelines suggest players are not allowed to bank on a competitors in which they are included.
Mr Johnson says players have actually to be seen not to be capitalizing any inside understanding, which he states might trigger "brand name damage" to football and its competitors.
So, even a Second Division player 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 get over to players the reputational danger to the video game," he states. "Once confidence has actually been harmed it is tough to get it back - mud sticks."
'Overwhelmingly legal'
If this represents the "carrot" approach, then possibly Nick Tofiluk, director of policy at the Gambling Commission, represents the "stick".
The Gambling Commission was established under the Act 2005 to manage business sports betting in Great Britain.
An ex-chief constable of West Midlands cops, Mr Tofiluk has duty for policing all wagering in the UK apart from spread sports betting, which is the remit of the FSA.
"The overwhelming majority of sports betting occurring through UK operators is legal and fair," he says.
"But for some there is the temptation to ... corruptly hinder the outcome of a sporting occasion.
"Such cheating has the potential to weaken the stability of a sport, and it also harms the business interests of sports betting bodies and sports betting."
The commission has actually developed an in-house Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to get and disseminate details to sporting authorities, sports betting companies and policing authorities.
"Since 2007 we have actually experienced a significant insight into world of corrupt sports betting wagering," he states.
"We will notify sports betting of our issues, to assist prevent or reduce [unlawful] activity"
In May 2010, the commission likewise introduced a private telephone hotline for those with details or suspicions.
'Vulnerabilities'
But in a two-and-a-half year period there has actually been simply one criminal prosecution, a 24-year-old man who was warned for unfaithful in relation to greyhound racing.
However, Mr Tofiluk states there are still eight ongoing investigations, which much beneficial information has likewise been passed to sports betting authorities.
He said that where an examination by a sport governing body was quicker, and more cost effective, then the commission would consider ceasing a criminal examination "in favour of letting sports betting governing bodies take the lead".
Meanwhile, he states a number of those aiming to cheat the sports betting wagering industry were experienced about sports betting and sporting people, and about wagering operations and the motion of money.
"They look for the vulnerabilities of these to help in their business."
Related internet links
World sports betting Law Report
ICC
Professional Players Federation
Professional Footballers' Association
The FA
Betfair
Sport & Markt
bit.ly
BLP
Gambling Commission
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Sport Betting Industry Wants To Protect Itself
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