Sport wagering market looks to secure itself
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16 September 2010
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By Bill Wilson
Business reporter, BBC News
sports betting on sport is huge organization.
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Sport England approximates the worth of costs on sport-related sports betting in England grew from ₤ 1.7 bn in 1985 to ₤ 2.8 bn in 2008.
Which figure is likely to have actually grown further, with an approximated ₤ 1bn bet on the World Cup alone in the UK this summer season.
Meanwhile, German research study firm Sport & Markt estimates the total international gaming market will deserve 263bn euros (₤ 220bn) by 2012, with much of that driven by web and sports betting.
But when the integrity of events are struck the sports betting industry suffers, and revenues are put under danger if consumers can not wager with confidence.
And there can have been few 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 market now.
"Not only 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 claims relating to a test versus England at Lord's last month.
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Three of these gamers have said 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 allegations, but was prohibited last week for six months for failing to report the illegal technique to him to throw frames.
There are likewise two other continuing investigations - unrelated to Mr Higgins - into snooker.
'Honest'
David O'Reilly is legal counsel for Betfair, one of the UK's most significant online sporting exchanges.
"If the sport is viewed as sincere, straight and fair that is excellent for wagering companies because people will invest cash sports betting with confidence," he says.
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"If you take the Pakistan allegations, although unrelated to the UK regulated wagering market ... it is not really a favorable story for wagering in the UK.
"That is due to the fact that the perception is that 'cricket is now something we may need to beware about'."
'Education'
So what can be done to avoid future scandals?
According to experts 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 explains: "The only individuals who can repair 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 thinks that it is insufficient to merely have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary treatments, but that the way to tackle potential concerns around gamers is likewise through education.
Mr Taylor says guidelines require to be discussed plainly to gamers with clear examples, and by individuals they appreciate.
"Through educating players about sports betting wagering you enhance stability and that remains in everyone's interest," he adds.
"If gamers are harder to corrupt then sport will be harder to corrupt."
'Brand damage'
Matt Johnson, head of regulative legal guidance at the Football Association, agrees.
"Prevention is much better than cure, and we likewise make a point of telling players 'you are going to be captured'."
"It is crucial that sport is directly, and is seen to be straight," he adds.
"If it loses that then individuals don't wish to bet, that is not in gaming 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 "incalculable".
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FA rules mean gamers are not allowed to wager on a competitors in which they are included.
Mr Johnson says gamers need to be seen not to be cashing in on any inside understanding, which he states might cause "brand name damage" to football and its competitions.
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 final the following spring.
"We need to overcome to players the reputational danger to the game," he says. "Once self-confidence has been damaged it is difficult to get it back - mud sticks."
'Overwhelmingly legal'
If this represents the "carrot" technique, 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 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 wagering, which is the remit of the FSA.
"The overwhelming majority of sports betting wagering occurring through UK operators is legal and reasonable," he says.
"But for some there is the temptation to ... corruptly disrupt the result of a sporting event.
"Such unfaithful has the potential to undermine the stability of a sport, and it likewise hurts the commercial interests of sports betting bodies and sports betting wagering."
The commission has developed an internal Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to get and distribute information to sporting authorities, wagering firms and policing authorities.
"Since 2007 we have actually experienced a significant insight into world of corrupt sports betting," he says.
"We will alert sports betting of our concerns, to assist avoid or cut [illegal] activity"
In May 2010, the commission also introduced a personal telephone hotline for those with information or suspicions.
'Vulnerabilities'
But in a two-and-a-half year period there has actually been just one prosecution, a 24-year-old male who was cautioned for cheating in relation to greyhound racing.
However, Mr Tofiluk says there are still 8 ongoing examinations, which much beneficial details has actually also been passed to sports betting authorities.
He said that where an investigation 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 says much of those looking to cheat the sports betting market were well-informed about sports betting and sporting individuals, and about sports betting operations and the motion of money.
"They look for the vulnerabilities of these to assist in their business."
Related internet links
World sports betting Law Report
ICC
Professional Players Federation
Professional Footballers' Association
The FA
Betfair
Sport & Markt
BLP
Gambling Commission
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Sport Betting Industry Aims To Protect Itself
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