Sport sports betting market aims to secure itself
16 September 2010
By Bill Wilson
Business reporter, BBC News
sports betting on sport is substantial company.
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.
And that figure is most likely to have grown further, with an estimated ₤ 1bn bet on the World Cup alone in the UK this summertime.
Meanwhile, German research study company Sport & Markt approximates the general international sports betting market will deserve 263bn euros (₤ 220bn) by 2012, with much of that driven by web and sports betting.
But when the integrity of occasions are hit the gambling market suffers, and profits are put under threat if clients can not bet with self-confidence.
And there can have been few higher-profile sport wagering 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 only is it a significant market in world organization, it is one that is now on the front pages of newspapers."
Four Pakistan cricketers have actually been questioned by authorities over spot-fixing accusations associating with a test against England at Lord's last month.
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Three of these players have stated they will also challenge the corruption charges mounted 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 accusations, but was banned last week for 6 months for stopping working to report the unlawful method to him to throw frames.
There are likewise 2 other continuing examinations - not related to Mr Higgins - into snooker.
'Honest'
David O'Reilly is legal counsel for Betfair, among the UK's biggest online sporting exchanges.
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"If the sport is perceived as sincere, straight and reasonable that is good for sports betting firms because people will spend money sports betting with self-confidence," he says.
"If you take the Pakistan allegations, although unrelated to the UK managed wagering industry ... it is not actually a positive story for wagering in the UK.
"That is due to the fact that the understanding is that 'cricket is now something we may need to be mindful 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 explains: "The only people who can fix a match are the rivals or the referee."
His organisation represents men and females 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 inadequate to simply have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary treatments, however that the way to tackle prospective issues around players is likewise through education.
Mr Taylor states guidelines need to be described plainly to gamers with clear examples, and by people they appreciate.
"Through educating gamers about sports betting wagering you strengthen stability and that is in everyone's interest," he includes.
"If players 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, concurs.
"Prevention is better than treatment, and we also make a point of informing players 'you are going to be caught'."
"It is imperative that sport is straight, and is seen to be straight," he includes.
"If it loses that then individuals do not desire to bet, that is not in gambling companies' interests, and it is not in our interests."
He stated that when an excellent credibility was lost, the damage to a sport was "enormous".
mean gamers are not allowed to wager on a competitors in which they are included.
Mr Johnson says gamers need to be seen not to be capitalizing any inside understanding, which he states could cause "brand name damage" to football and its competitions.
So, even a Second Division player knocked out of the FA Cup in the fall can not bank on a Manchester United v Chelsea cup final the following spring.
"We need to get over to players the reputational risk to the game," he states. "Once confidence has actually been harmed it is hard to get it back - mud sticks."
'Overwhelmingly legal'
If this represents the "carrot" technique, then possibly Nick Tofiluk, director of policy at the Gambling Commission, represents the "stick".
The Gambling Commission was set up under the Gambling Act 2005 to manage business gaming in Great Britain.
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An ex-chief constable of West Midlands cops, Mr Tofiluk has responsibility for policing all sports betting in the UK apart from spread sports betting, which is the remit of the FSA.
"The frustrating bulk of sports betting wagering happening through UK operators is legal and fair," he says.
"But for some there is the temptation to ... corruptly disrupt the result of a sporting occasion.
"Such unfaithful has the possible to weaken the integrity of a sport, and it likewise damages the commercial interests of sports betting bodies and sports betting."
The commission has developed an internal Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to receive and share details to sporting authorities, sports betting companies and policing authorities.
"Since 2007 we have experienced a considerable insight into world of corrupt sports betting wagering," he says.
"We will signal sports betting of our issues, to help prevent or curtail [illegal] activity"
In May 2010, the commission likewise presented a personal telephone hotline for those with info or suspicions.
'Vulnerabilities'
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But in a two-and-a-half year duration there has been simply one criminal prosecution, a 24-year-old guy who was cautioned for cheating in relation to greyhound racing.
However, Mr Tofiluk states there are still 8 ongoing investigations, which much useful details has actually likewise been passed to sports betting authorities.
He said that where an investigation by a sport governing body was quicker, and more expense efficient, then the commission would consider ceasing a criminal investigation "in favour of letting sports betting governing bodies take the lead".
Meanwhile, he says a lot of those wanting to cheat the sports betting market were experienced about sports betting and sporting individuals, and about wagering operations and the motion of money.
"They look for 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
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Sport & Markt
bet9ja.com
BLP
Gambling Commission
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Sport Betting Industry Aims To Protect Itself
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