Sport sports betting market aims to safeguard itself
16 September 2010
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By Bill Wilson
Business reporter, BBC News
sports betting on sport is substantial business.
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 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 approximates the overall international gambling market will be worth 263bn euros (₤ 220bn) by 2012, with much of that driven by web and sports betting.
But when the stability of occasions are struck the gaming industry suffers, and earnings are put under danger if customers can not bet with confidence.
And there can have been couple of higher-profile sport wagering stories than those affecting cricket and snooker this year.
High-profile
As Sport & Markt's Gareth Moore observes: "Everyone discuss the sports betting gambling market now.
"Not just is it a considerable market in world organization, it is one that is now on the front pages of newspapers."
Four Pakistan cricketers have actually been questioned by police over spot-fixing claims connecting to a test against England at Lord's last month.
Three of these players have stated they will likewise 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 prohibited recently for 6 months for failing to report the unlawful 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 biggest online sporting exchanges.
"If the sport is perceived as truthful, straight and reasonable that benefits wagering companies since individuals will spend cash sports betting with confidence," he states.
"If you take the Pakistan accusations, although unrelated to the UK regulated wagering market ... it is not actually a positive story for sports betting in the UK.
"That is since the understanding is that 'cricket is now something we might 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 gambling, the focus needs to be on sportspersons and sportswomen.
As Simon Taylor of the Professional Players' Federation points out: "The only individuals who can fix a match are the competitors or the referee."
His organisation represents guys 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 insufficient to simply have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary treatments, however that the way to deal with possible concerns around gamers is also through education.
Mr Taylor states guidelines require to be described clearly to players with clear examples, and by people they appreciate.
"Through informing gamers about sports betting you enhance stability which 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 suggestions at the Football Association, concurs.
"Prevention is much better than cure, and we also make a point of informing gamers 'you are going to be captured'."
"It is necessary that sport is straight, and is seen to be directly," he adds.
"If it loses that then individuals don't wish to bet, that is not in gambling companies' interests, and it is not in our interests."
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He stated that once a good credibility was lost, the damage to a sport was "enormous".
FA guidelines imply players are not allowed to bet on a competition in which they are involved.
Mr Johnson says gamers need to be seen not to be cashing in on any inside understanding, which he states might cause "brand damage" to football and its competitors.
So, even a Second Division gamer knocked out of the FA Cup in the autumn can not bank on a Manchester United v Chelsea cup last the following spring.
"We have to get over to gamers the reputational danger to the game," he says. "Once self-confidence has been harmed it is difficult to get it back - mud sticks."
'Overwhelmingly legal'
If this represents the "carrot" approach, then maybe 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 commercial gambling in Great Britain.
An ex-chief constable of West Midlands police, Mr Tofiluk has duty 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 taking place through UK operators is legal and fair," he states.
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"But for some there is the temptation to ... corruptly interfere with the outcome of a sporting occasion.
"Such cheating has the potential to undermine the integrity of a sport, and it also hurts the business interests of sports betting bodies and sports betting wagering."
The commission has actually established an in-house Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to get and distribute info to sporting authorities, wagering companies and policing authorities.
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"Since 2007 we have experienced a considerable insight into world of sports betting," he says.
"We will signal sports betting of our issues, to assist avoid or cut [prohibited] activity"
In May 2010, the commission also introduced a confidential telephone hotline for those with information or suspicions.
'Vulnerabilities'
But in a two-and-a-half year duration there has actually been simply one prosecution, a 24-year-old man who was warned for cheating in relation to greyhound racing.
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However, Mr Tofiluk says there are still eight continuous examinations, which much useful details has actually likewise been passed to sports betting authorities.
He stated that where an investigation by a sport governing body was quicker, and more expense effective, then the commission would think about discontinuing a criminal investigation "in favour of letting sports betting governing bodies take the lead".
Meanwhile, he states numerous of those seeking to cheat the sports betting industry were experienced about sports betting and sporting people, and about sports betting operations and the motion of money.
"They look for 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
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BLP
Gambling Commission
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Sport Betting Industry Seeks To Protect Itself
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