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Sport Betting Industry Looks To Protect Itself

Sport wagering market seeks to secure itself

16 September 2010

By Bill Wilson

Business press reporter, BBC News

sports betting on sport is substantial organization.

Sport England estimates the value of costs on sport-related gambling in England grew from ₤ 1.7 bn in 1985 to ₤ 2.8 bn in 2008.

And that 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.

Meanwhile, German research company Sport & Markt approximates the overall global sports betting market will deserve 263bn euros (₤ 220bn) by 2012, with much of that driven by internet and sports betting gaming.

But when the integrity of occasions are hit the gambling market suffers, and revenues are put under hazard if consumers can not wager with confidence.

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

High-profile

As Sport & Markt’s Gareth Moore observes: “Everyone speak about the sports betting market now.

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

Four Pakistan cricketers have been questioned by police over spot-fixing claims associating with a test versus England at Lord’s last month.

Three of these players have actually stated they will likewise 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 accusations, but was prohibited recently for six months for stopping working to report the unlawful technique to him to throw frames.

There are likewise two other continuing investigations – not related 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 viewed as honest, straight and fair that is good for sports betting companies since individuals will spend cash sports betting with confidence,” he states.

“If you take the Pakistan allegations, although unrelated to the UK regulated wagering industry … it is not actually a favorable story for wagering in the UK.

“That is because the understanding is that ‘cricket is now something we may need to beware about’.”

‘Education’

So what can be done to prevent future scandals?

According to experts at a World sports betting Law Report conference into sports betting gambling, the focus has to be on sportspersons and sportswomen.

As Simon Taylor of the Professional Players’ Federation explains: “The only individuals who can fix a match are the competitors 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 believes that it is insufficient to simply have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary treatments, however that the way to tackle potential problems around gamers is likewise through education.

Mr Taylor says rules require to be discussed plainly to gamers with clear examples, and by individuals they respect.

“Through educating players about sports betting you strengthen integrity which is in everyone’s interest,” he adds.

“If gamers are harder to corrupt then sport will be more difficult to corrupt.”

‘Brand damage’

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

“Prevention is much better than treatment, and we likewise make a point of informing gamers ‘you are going to be captured’.”

“It is vital that sport is straight, and is seen to be straight,” he adds.

“If it loses that then individuals do not want to wager, that is not in gambling companies’ interests, and it is not in our interests.”

He stated that as soon as an excellent reputation was lost, the damage to a sport was “incalculable”.

FA rules imply players are not permitted to bank on a competitors in which they are included.

Mr Johnson states players have actually to be seen not to be capitalizing any inside understanding, which he says could cause “brand damage” to football and its competitions.

So, even a 2nd Division player knocked out of the FA Cup in the autumn can not bank on a Manchester United v Chelsea cup last the following spring.

“We need to overcome to players the reputational threat to the video game,” he states. “Once confidence has been damaged 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 established under the Gambling Act 2005 to control industrial gaming in Great Britain.

An ex-chief constable of West Midlands authorities, Mr Tofiluk has responsibility for policing all in the UK apart from spread wagering, 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 interfere with the result of a sporting event.

“Such unfaithful has the prospective to weaken the integrity of a sport, and it likewise harms the business interests of sports betting bodies and sports betting wagering.”

The commission has actually developed an internal Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to get and distribute info to sporting authorities, sports betting companies and policing authorities.

“Since 2007 we have experienced a significant insight into world of corrupt sports betting,” he states.

“We will inform sports betting of our concerns, to assist prevent or reduce [illegal] activity”

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

‘Vulnerabilities’

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

However, Mr Tofiluk states there are still 8 continuous investigations, and that much useful info has also 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 consider ceasing a criminal investigation “in favour of letting sports betting governing bodies take the lead”.

Meanwhile, he says a number of those wanting to cheat the sports betting wagering industry were knowledgeable about sports betting and sporting people, and about sports betting operations and the movement of money.

“They look for out the vulnerabilities of these to assist in their business.”

Related web links

World sports betting Law Report

ICC

Professional Players Federation

Professional Footballers’ Association

The FA

Betfair

Sport & Markt

BLP

Gambling Commission