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Betting on sport is huge company.
Sport England estimates the value of spending on sport-related gaming in England grew from ₤ 1.7 bn in 1985 to ₤ 2.8 bn in 2008.
And that figure is most likely to have 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 approximates the general global betting market will be worth 263bn euros (₤ 220bn) by 2012, with much of that driven by internet and sports gambling.
But when the stability of events are struck the gaming industry suffers, and profits are put under threat if clients can not wager with confidence.
And there can have been few higher-profile sport betting stories than those impacting cricket and snooker this year.
High-profile
As Sport & Markt's Gareth Moore observes: "Everyone speak about the sports gambling market now.
"Not only is it a considerable market in world service, it is one that is now on the front pages of newspapers."
Four Pakistan cricketers have actually been questioned by police over spot-fixing allegations 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 installed versus 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 recently for six months for stopping working to report the illegal technique to him to toss frames.
There are also two 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 sincere, straight and fair that is great for wagering companies since people will invest cash wagering with self-confidence," he says.
"If you take the Pakistan claims, although unrelated to the UK managed betting industry ... it is not truly a favorable story for wagering in the UK.
"That is since the perception is that 'cricket is now something we may have to take care about'."
'Education'
So what can be done to prevent future scandals?
According to specialists at a World Sports Law Report conference into sports gambling, the focus needs to be on sportsmen and sportswomen.
As Simon Taylor of the Professional Players' Federation explains: "The only individuals who can repair a match are the rivals or the referee."
His organisation represents males and women in 15 sports in the UK, being an umbrella organisation for all player organisations, such as the Professional Footballers' Association.
He thinks that it is insufficient to simply have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary procedures, but that the way to tackle prospective concerns around players is likewise through education.
Mr Taylor says rules require to be described clearly to players with clear examples, and by individuals they appreciate.
"Through informing players about sports betting you strengthen integrity which is in everyone's interest," he adds.
"If players are harder to corrupt then sport will be harder to corrupt."
'Brand damage'
Matt Johnson, head of regulatory legal guidance at the Football Association, concurs.
"Prevention is much better than remedy, and we likewise make a point of telling gamers 'you are going to be captured'."
"It is important that sport is directly, and is seen to be straight," he includes.
"If it loses that then people do not wish to bet, that is not in betting firms' interests, and it is not in our interests."
He said that as soon as a good track record was lost, the damage to a sport was "enormous".
FA rules indicate gamers are not permitted to bank on a competition in which they are involved.
Mr Johnson says gamers have actually 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 Second Division gamer knocked out of the FA Cup in the fall can not bank on a Manchester United v Chelsea cup final the following spring.
"We have to overcome to gamers the reputational danger to the video game," he says. "Once self-confidence has been harmed it is tough to get it back - mud sticks."
'Overwhelmingly legal'
If this represents the "carrot" technique, then maybe Nick Tofiluk, director of policy at the Gambling Commission, represents the "stick".
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The Gambling Commission was set up under the Gambling Act 2005 to manage business gaming in Great Britain.
An ex-chief constable of West Midlands authorities, Mr Tofiluk has responsibility for policing all betting in the UK apart from spread betting, which is the remit of the FSA.
"The frustrating bulk of sports betting taking place through UK operators is legal and fair," he states.
"But for some there is the temptation to ... corruptly disrupt the result of a sporting event.
"Such unfaithful has the potential to weaken the integrity of a sport, and it also hurts the industrial interests of sports bodies and sports wagering."
The commission has actually established an in-house Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to receive and share information to sporting authorities, wagering companies and policing authorities.
"Since 2007 we have actually experienced a significant insight into world of corrupt sports betting," he states.
"We will inform sports of our concerns, to assist prevent or reduce [illegal] activity"
In May 2010, the commission also presented a personal telephone hotline for those with details 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.
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However, Mr Tofiluk states there are still eight ongoing examinations, which much helpful details has likewise been passed to sports authorities.
He said that where an investigation by a sport governing body was quicker, and more cost reliable, then the commission would consider discontinuing a criminal investigation "in favour of letting sports governing bodies take the lead".
Meanwhile, he states much of those looking to cheat the sports betting market were experienced about sports and sporting people, and about wagering operations and the movement of cash.
"They look for the vulnerabilities of these to help in their enterprises."
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Sport Betting Industry Seeks To Protect Itself
jere59i3978601 edited this page 2025-01-29 08:57:42 -06:00