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Sport wagering market wants to protect 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 huge company.
Sport England approximates 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 likely to have actually grown even more, with an estimated ₤ 1bn bet on the World Cup alone in the UK this summer season.
Meanwhile, German research study firm Sport & Markt estimates the overall global gambling market will deserve 263bn euros (₤ 220bn) by 2012, with much of that driven by internet and sports betting gaming.
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But when the stability of events are struck the gambling industry suffers, and revenues are put under danger if clients can not bet with self-confidence.
And there can have been couple of 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 only is it a considerable market in world organization, it is one that is now on the front pages of papers."
Four Pakistan cricketers have actually been questioned by police over spot-fixing claims associating with a test versus England at Lord's last month.
Three of these gamers have 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 claims, but was prohibited last week for six months for failing to report the unlawful technique to him to throw frames.
There are also 2 other continuing examinations - not associated 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 truthful, straight and reasonable that is great for wagering firms since individuals will invest cash wagering with self-confidence," he says.
"If you take the Pakistan allegations, although unrelated to the UK regulated wagering industry ... it is not really a positive story for wagering in the UK.
"That is because the understanding is that 'cricket is now something we might need to take care about'."
'Education'
So what can be done to prevent future scandals?
According to specialists at a World sports betting Law Report conference into sports betting, the focus needs to be on sportspersons 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 males 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 not adequate to simply have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary treatments, but that the method to tackle possible concerns around players is also through education.
Mr Taylor states guidelines require to be described clearly to gamers with clear examples, and by individuals they respect.
"Through educating gamers about sports betting you strengthen 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 better than remedy, and we likewise make a point of telling players 'you are going to be captured'."
"It is important that sport is straight, and is seen to be straight," he adds.
"If it loses that then people don't wish to bet, that is not in gambling firms' interests, and it is not in our interests."
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He stated that as soon as a great was lost, the damage to a sport was "enormous".
FA rules indicate gamers are not enabled to bank on a competition in which they are included.
Mr Johnson says gamers have actually to be seen not to be cashing in on any inside understanding, which he states might cause "brand damage" to football and its competitions.
So, even a 2nd Division gamer knocked out of the FA Cup in the fall can not bank on a Manchester United v Chelsea cup last the following spring.
"We have to overcome to gamers the reputational threat to the game," he says. "Once confidence has actually been harmed it is difficult to get it back - mud sticks."
'Overwhelmingly legal'
If this represents the "carrot" method, then perhaps Nick Tofiluk, director of policy at the Gambling Commission, represents the "stick".
The Gambling Commission was set up under the Gambling Act 2005 to regulate business sports betting in Great Britain.
An ex-chief constable of West Midlands police, Mr Tofiluk has responsibility for policing all wagering in the UK apart from spread sports betting, which is the remit of the FSA.
"The frustrating majority of sports betting wagering occurring through UK operators is legal and fair," he states.
"But for some there is the temptation to ... corruptly disrupt the outcome of a sporting occasion.
"Such cheating has the prospective to weaken the stability of a sport, and it likewise damages the commercial interests of sports betting bodies and sports betting wagering."
The commission has established an internal Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to get and disseminate details to sporting authorities, sports betting firms and policing authorities.
"Since 2007 we have actually experienced a substantial insight into world of corrupt sports betting," he says.
"We will signal sports betting of our concerns, to assist avoid or cut [illegal] activity"
In May 2010, the commission likewise presented a private 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 man who was cautioned for unfaithful in relation to greyhound racing.
However, Mr Tofiluk states there are still eight ongoing examinations, which much helpful information has likewise been passed to sports betting authorities.
He stated that where an investigation by a sport governing body was quicker, and more expense reliable, then the commission would consider ceasing a criminal examination "in favour of letting sports betting governing bodies take the lead".
Meanwhile, he says much of those wanting to cheat the sports betting industry were knowledgeable about sports betting and sporting people, and about wagering operations and the motion of money.
"They look for out 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
bet9ja.com
BLP
Gambling Commission
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Sport Betting Industry Seeks To Protect Itself
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