Betting on sport is huge service.
Sport England estimates the value of spending on sport-related betting 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 company Sport & Markt approximates the general worldwide betting market will be worth 263bn euros (₤ 220bn) by 2012, with much of that driven by web and sports betting.
But when the integrity of events are struck the gambling market suffers, and incomes are put under danger if consumers can not wager with self-confidence.
And there can have been couple of 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 papers."
Four Pakistan cricketers have 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 likewise challenge the corruption charges mounted versus 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 banned recently for six months for failing to report the unlawful method to him to throw frames.
There are likewise two other continuing investigations - unrelated to Mr Higgins - into snooker.
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'Honest'
David O'Reilly is legal counsel for Betfair, among the UK's most significant online sporting exchanges.
"If the sport is perceived as honest, straight and reasonable that benefits wagering firms due to the fact that people will spend cash betting with confidence," he states.
"If you take the Pakistan accusations, although unrelated to the UK managed wagering market ... it is not really a positive story for betting in the UK.
"That is due to the fact that the understanding is that 'cricket is now something we might have to be careful about'."
'Education'
So what can be done to avoid future scandals?
According to professionals at a World Sports Law Report conference into sports betting, the focus needs to be on sportspersons and sportswomen.
As Simon Taylor of the Professional Players' Federation points out: "The only people who can fix a match are the competitors or the referee."
His organisation represents men and women in 15 sports in the UK, being an umbrella organisation for all player organisations, such as the Professional Footballers' Association.
He believes that it is insufficient to merely have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary procedures, however that the way to deal with potential problems around players is also through education.
Mr Taylor says guidelines need to be explained clearly to players with clear examples, and by individuals they appreciate.
"Through educating gamers about sports betting you reinforce stability which is in everybody's interest," he includes.
"If players are harder to corrupt then sport will be harder to corrupt."
'Brand damage'
Matt Johnson, head of regulatory legal guidance at the Football Association, concurs.
"Prevention is better than treatment, and we likewise make a point of telling players 'you are going to be captured'."
"It is essential that sport is straight, and is seen to be straight," he includes.
"If it loses that then people don't wish to wager, that is not in gambling firms' interests, and it is not in our interests."
He stated that as soon as a good credibility was lost, the damage to a sport was "enormous".
FA guidelines imply gamers are not enabled to bank on a competition in which they are included.
Mr Johnson states gamers have to be seen not to be capitalizing any inside knowledge, which he states might trigger "brand name damage" to football and its competitors.
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So, even a Second Division gamer knocked out of the FA Cup in the autumn can not wager on a Manchester United v Chelsea cup last the following spring.
"We need to get over to players the reputational threat to the video game," he states. "Once confidence has been harmed it is difficult to get it back - mud sticks."
'Overwhelmingly legal'
If this represents the "carrot" approach, then perhaps Nick Tofiluk, director of guideline at the Gambling Commission, represents the "stick".
The Gambling Commission was established under the Gambling Act 2005 to regulate commercial betting in Great Britain.
An ex-chief constable of West Midlands authorities, Mr Tofiluk has responsibility for policing all wagering in the UK apart from spread betting, which is the remit of the FSA.
"The frustrating bulk of sports betting occurring through UK operators is legal and reasonable," he states.
"But for some there is the temptation to ... corruptly hinder the result of a sporting occasion.
"Such unfaithful has the possible to undermine the integrity of a sport, and it also damages the commercial interests of sports bodies and sports betting."
The commission has established an in-house Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to receive and distribute info to sporting authorities, wagering firms and policing authorities.
"Since 2007 we have actually experienced a significant insight into world of corrupt sports betting," he states.
"We will signal sports of our issues, to help avoid or cut [prohibited] activity"
In May 2010, the commission likewise presented a confidential telephone hotline for those with info or suspicions.
'Vulnerabilities'
But in a two-and-a-half year period there has actually been just one criminal prosecution, a 24-year-old guy who was warned for cheating in relation to greyhound racing.
However, Mr Tofiluk says there are still 8 ongoing investigations, which much helpful info has likewise been passed to sports authorities.
He said that where an investigation by a sport governing body was quicker, and more cost efficient, then the commission would consider ceasing a criminal examination "in favour of letting sports betting governing bodies take the lead".
Meanwhile, he states a number of those aiming to cheat the sports betting industry were experienced about sports and sporting people, and about betting operations and the movement of money.
"They look for the vulnerabilities of these to help in their business."
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Sport Betting Industry Seeks To Protect Itself
lcyyetta849197 edited this page 2025-01-29 22:32:58 +08:00