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Sport sports betting industry 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 organization.

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 likely to have grown even more, with an estimated ₤ 1bn bet on the World Cup alone in the UK this summer.

Meanwhile, German research study firm Sport & Markt estimates the general international sports betting market will be worth 263bn euros (₤ 220bn) by 2012, with much of that driven by web and sports betting gambling.

But when the integrity of events are struck the sports betting industry suffers, and profits are put under threat if customers can not wager with confidence.

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

High-profile

As Sport & Moore observes: “Everyone talks about the sports betting gambling market now.

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

Four Pakistan cricketers have actually been questioned by authorities over spot-fixing accusations connecting to a test against England at Lord’s last month.

Three of these players have 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 claims, but was banned recently for 6 months for failing to report the unlawful method to him to toss frames.

There are also 2 other continuing examinations - unrelated 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 perceived as sincere, straight and reasonable that is great for betting firms since individuals will invest cash wagering with confidence,” he states.

“If you take the Pakistan accusations, although unrelated to the UK managed wagering industry … it is not truly a positive story for sports betting in the UK.

“That is since the understanding is that ‘cricket is now something we may need to take care 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 mentions: “The only people who can fix a match are the rivals or the referee.”

His organisation represents guys and ladies 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 inadequate to simply have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary treatments, however that the way to take on possible problems around gamers is likewise through education.

Mr Taylor states guidelines need to be discussed clearly to players with clear examples, and by individuals they appreciate.

“Through educating players about sports betting you reinforce stability which is in everybody’s interest,” he includes.

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

‘Brand damage’

Matt Johnson, head of regulative legal guidance at the Football Association, concurs.

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

“It is important that sport is directly, and is seen to be directly,” he includes.

“If it loses that then people do not wish to bet, that is not in sports betting firms’ interests, and it is not in our interests.”

He stated that once a great credibility was lost, the damage to a sport was “incalculable”.

FA guidelines imply gamers are not permitted to bank on a competitors in which they are included.

Mr Johnson states players need to be seen not to be capitalizing any inside understanding, which he states might trigger “brand name damage” to football and its competitors.

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

“We have to overcome to players the reputational risk to the video game,” he says. “Once self-confidence has been harmed it is tough 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 manage commercial gaming in Great Britain.

An ex-chief constable of West Midlands cops, Mr Tofiluk has duty 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 taking location through UK operators is legal and reasonable,” he states.

“But for some there is the temptation to … corruptly hinder the result of a sporting event.

“Such cheating has the possible to undermine the integrity of a sport, and it also damages the business interests of sports betting bodies and sports betting.”

The commission has developed an internal Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to get and disseminate info to sporting authorities, wagering firms and policing authorities.

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

“We will signal sports betting of our issues, to assist avoid or cut [unlawful] activity”

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

‘Vulnerabilities’

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

However, Mr Tofiluk states there are still 8 ongoing investigations, which much useful info has likewise been passed to sports betting authorities.

He said that where an examination 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 numerous of those looking to cheat the sports betting wagering market were knowledgeable about sports betting and sporting individuals, and about sports betting operations and the movement of cash.

“They seek 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
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BLP

Gambling Commission
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