Sport Betting Industry Looks To Protect Itself

Betting on sport is huge business.

Sport England approximates the worth of costs on sport-related betting in England grew from ₤ 1.7 bn in 1985 to ₤ 2.8 bn in 2008.

And that figure is 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 estimates the overall international 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 occasions are hit the gambling industry suffers, and incomes are put under danger if clients can not bet with confidence.

And there can have been few higher-profile sport wagering stories than those impacting cricket and snooker this year.

High-profile

As Sport & Markt’s Gareth Moore observes: “Everyone talks 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 newspapers.”

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

Three of these gamers have actually stated they will also challenge the corruption charges mounted against the trio by the sport governing body the International Cricket Council.

Meanwhile, three-times snooker world champ John Higgins was cleared of match-fixing accusations, however was banned recently for six months for failing to report the illegal technique to him to throw frames.

There are also 2 other continuing investigations – not related to Mr Higgins – into snooker.

‘Honest’

David O’Reilly is legal counsel for Betfair, among the UK’s biggest online sporting exchanges.

“If the sport is perceived as honest, straight and fair that benefits betting firms because individuals will spend cash wagering with self-confidence,” he says.

“If you take the Pakistan allegations, although unassociated to the UK managed wagering market … it is not truly a favorable story for wagering in the UK.

“That is since the understanding is that ‘cricket is now something we may need to beware about’.”

‘Education’

So what can be done to prevent future scandals?

According to professionals at a World sports betting Law Report conference into sports betting, the focus has 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 player organisations, such as the Professional Footballers’ Association.

He believes that it is insufficient to simply have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary procedures, however that the way to take on prospective issues around players is also through education.

Mr Taylor says guidelines need to be described plainly to players with clear examples, and by people they respect.

“Through informing players about sports betting you strengthen integrity and that remains in everyone’s interest,” he adds.

“If players 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 better than remedy, and we also make a point of informing players ‘you are going to be captured’.”

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

“If it loses that then individuals don’t wish to wager, that is not in betting companies’ interests, and it is not in our interests.”

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

FA rules indicate gamers are not permitted to bank on a competition in which they are involved.

Mr Johnson says gamers have actually to be seen not to be capitalizing any inside knowledge, which he states might trigger “brand name damage” to football and its competitions.

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

“We need to overcome to players the reputational danger to the video game,” he says. “Once self-confidence has been damaged it is tough to get it back – mud sticks.”

‘Overwhelmingly legal’

If this represents the “carrot” method, then perhaps Nick Tofiluk, director of regulation at the Gambling Commission, represents the “stick”.

The Gambling Commission was established under the Gambling Act 2005 to regulate industrial betting in Great Britain.

An ex-chief constable of West Midlands authorities, Mr Tofiluk has obligation for policing all wagering in the UK apart from spread betting, which is the remit of the FSA.

“The overwhelming 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 event.

“Such cheating has the prospective to weaken the stability of a sport, and it likewise damages the business interests of sports betting bodies and sports betting wagering.”

The commission has developed an in-house Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to get and distribute information to sporting authorities, betting firms and policing authorities.

“Since 2007 we have experienced a significant insight into world of corrupt sports betting wagering,” he says.

“We will signal sports betting of our issues, to help prevent or cut [illegal] 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 duration there has actually been simply 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 beneficial details has actually also been passed to sports betting authorities.

He stated that where an examination by a sport governing body was quicker, and more expense efficient, then the commission would think about terminating a criminal examination “in favour of letting sports governing bodies take the lead”.

Meanwhile, he says numerous of those aiming to cheat the sports betting market were experienced about sports betting and sporting people, and about wagering operations and the motion of cash.

“They look for out the vulnerabilities of these to assist in their business.”