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Sport wagering industry wants to secure itself
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16 September 2010
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By Bill Wilson
Business press reporter, BBC News
sports betting on sport is substantial company.
Sport England approximates 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 further, with an approximated ₤ 1bn bet on the World Cup alone in the UK this summertime.
Meanwhile, German research study firm 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 gambling.
But when the integrity of events are hit the gambling industry suffers, and incomes are put under risk if customers can not wager with self-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.
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"Not just is it a considerable 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 accusations relating to a test against England at Lord's last month.
Three of these gamers have actually stated they will also challenge the corruption charges installed against 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, however was prohibited recently for six months for failing to report the prohibited method to him to toss frames.
There are also two other continuing examinations - not related to Mr Higgins - into snooker.
'Honest'
David O'Reilly is legal counsel for Betfair, one of the UK's greatest online sporting exchanges.
"If the sport is viewed as sincere, straight and fair that benefits betting firms because people will invest cash wagering with confidence," he says.
"If you take the Pakistan allegations, although unassociated to the UK managed sports betting industry ... it is not truly a for wagering in the UK.
"That is because the perception is that 'cricket is now something we might have to take care about'."
'Education'
So what can be done to prevent future scandals?
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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 individuals who can repair a match are the competitors or the referee."
His organisation represents guys and women 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 inadequate to simply have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary treatments, however that the method to deal with possible problems around gamers is likewise through education.
Mr Taylor says rules require to be discussed plainly to players with clear examples, and by individuals they appreciate.
"Through informing players about sports betting wagering you strengthen stability which is in everybody's interest," he includes.
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"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 better than treatment, and we likewise make a point of informing players 'you are going to be captured'."
"It is necessary that sport is directly, and is seen to be straight," he includes.
"If it loses that then people do not wish to wager, that is not in betting firms' interests, and it is not in our interests."
He said that as soon as an excellent track record was lost, the damage to a sport was "enormous".
FA guidelines mean gamers are not allowed to wager on a competition in which they are involved.
Mr Johnson says players need to be seen not to be cashing in on any inside knowledge, which he says might trigger "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 players the reputational threat to the game," he states. "Once confidence has actually been damaged it is difficult to get it back - mud sticks."
'Overwhelmingly legal'
If this represents the "carrot" method, then possibly Nick Tofiluk, director of regulation at the Gambling Commission, represents the "stick".
The Gambling Commission was established under the Gambling Act 2005 to manage business betting 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 wagering, which is the remit of the FSA.
"The overwhelming majority of sports betting happening through UK operators is legal and fair," he says.
"But for some there is the temptation to ... corruptly interfere with the outcome of a sporting occasion.
"Such unfaithful 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 established an in-house Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to get and distribute details to sporting authorities, sports betting companies and policing authorities.
"Since 2007 we have experienced a substantial insight into world of corrupt sports betting wagering," he states.
"We will notify sports betting of our concerns, to assist prevent or cut [prohibited] activity"
In May 2010, the commission likewise presented a personal telephone hotline for those with information or suspicions.
'Vulnerabilities'
But in a two-and-a-half year period there has been just one 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 examinations, and that much beneficial info has also 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 think about ceasing a criminal examination "in favour of letting sports betting governing bodies take the lead".
Meanwhile, he states numerous of those aiming to cheat the sports betting wagering market were experienced about sports betting and sporting individuals, and about sports betting operations and the movement of cash.
"They look for the vulnerabilities of these to help 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 Wants To Protect Itself
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