Sport Betting Industry Looks To Protect Itself

Sport betting market seeks to secure itself

16 September 2010

By Bill Wilson

Business press reporter, BBC News

Betting on sport is huge organization.

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

Which figure is most likely to have grown even more, with an approximated ₤ 1bn bet on the World Cup alone in the UK this summer.

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

But when the integrity of occasions are struck the gaming market suffers, and profits are put under hazard if clients 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 gambling market now.

«Not just is it a substantial market in world service, it is one that is now on the front pages of papers.»

Four Pakistan cricketers have been questioned by police over spot-fixing accusations associating with a test against England at Lord’s last month.

Three of these gamers have actually stated they will likewise challenge the corruption charges mounted 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 six months for stopping working to report the unlawful technique to him to throw frames.

There are likewise two other continuing examinations – unrelated to Mr Higgins – into snooker.

‘Honest’

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

«If the sport is perceived as truthful, straight and fair that benefits betting firms since individuals will invest cash betting with self-confidence,» he says.

«If you take the Pakistan allegations, although unrelated to the UK regulated sports betting 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 take care 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 gambling, the focus has to be on sportspersons and sportswomen.

As Simon Taylor of the Professional Players’ Federation mentions: «The only individuals who can repair a match are the competitors 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 inadequate to simply have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary procedures, however that the way to tackle prospective issues around gamers is also through education.

Mr Taylor says guidelines need to be explained clearly to gamers with clear examples, and by they appreciate.

«Through educating gamers about sports betting you enhance stability which is in everyone’s interest,» he includes.

«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, concurs.

«Prevention is much better than treatment, and we likewise make a point of telling players ‘you are going to be captured’.»

«It is important 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 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 allowed to bank on a competition in which they are involved.

Mr Johnson says players need to be seen not to be cashing in on any inside knowledge, which he states could trigger «brand name damage» to football and its competitors.

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

«We need to overcome to players the reputational risk to the video game,» he says. «Once confidence has been damaged it is tough to get it back – mud sticks.»

‘Overwhelmingly legal’

If this represents the «carrot» approach, then possibly Nick Tofiluk, director of guideline at the Gambling Commission, represents the «stick».

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

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

«The frustrating majority of sports betting wagering taking location through UK operators is legal and fair,» he states.

«But for some there is the temptation to … corruptly interfere with the result of a sporting event.

«Such unfaithful has the prospective to undermine the stability of a sport, and it likewise damages the business interests of sports betting bodies and sports betting.»

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

«Since 2007 we have experienced a substantial insight into world of corrupt sports betting wagering,» he says.

«We will inform sports betting of our issues, to assist prevent or reduce [prohibited] activity»

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

‘Vulnerabilities’

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

However, Mr Tofiluk states there are still eight ongoing examinations, and that much beneficial information has actually likewise been passed to sports betting authorities.

He said that where an investigation by a sport governing body was quicker, and more expense effective, then the commission would think about stopping a criminal examination «in favour of letting sports betting governing bodies take the lead».

Meanwhile, he says much of those aiming to cheat the sports betting wagering market were knowledgeable about sports betting and sporting individuals, and about sports betting operations and the motion of cash.

«They look for out the vulnerabilities of these to assist in their enterprises.»

Related web 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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