Betting on sport is big business.
Sport England approximates the value of spending on sport-related gaming 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 even more, with an estimated ₤ 1bn bet on the World Cup alone in the UK this summertime.
Meanwhile, German research company Sport & Markt estimates the general worldwide gambling market will deserve 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 earnings are put under threat if clients can not bet 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 speak about the sports gambling market now.
"Not only is it a considerable market in world company, it is one that is now on the front pages of newspapers."
Four Pakistan cricketers have been questioned by police over spot-fixing claims associating with a test against England at Lord's last month.
Three of these players 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 claims, but was banned recently for 6 months for failing to report the unlawful method to him to throw frames.
There are also 2 other continuing examinations - not related to Mr Higgins - into snooker.
'Honest'
David O'Reilly is legal counsel for Betfair, among the UK's most significant online sporting exchanges.
"If the sport is viewed as sincere, straight and reasonable that benefits betting companies due to the fact that individuals will spend money wagering with self-confidence," he says.
"If you take the Pakistan allegations, although unassociated to the UK controlled betting industry ... it is not actually a favorable story for betting in the UK.
"That is since the perception is that 'cricket is now something we may have to take care about'."
'Education'
So what can be done to avoid future scandals?
According to specialists at a World Sports Law Report conference into sports gambling, the focus needs to be on sportsmen and sportswomen.
As Simon Taylor of the Professional Players' Federation mentions: "The only individuals who can repair a match are the rivals or the referee."
His organisation represents guys and women in 15 sports in the UK, being an umbrella organisation for all gamer organisations, such as the Professional Footballers' Association.
He believes that it is inadequate to simply have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary treatments, but that the method to deal with prospective concerns around gamers is likewise through education.
Mr Taylor says rules require to be described plainly to gamers with clear examples, and by people they appreciate.
"Through educating players about sports betting you enhance integrity and that is in everybody's interest," he includes.
"If gamers are harder to corrupt then sport will be more difficult to corrupt."
'Brand damage'
Matt Johnson, head of regulative legal advice at the Football Association, concurs.
"Prevention is better than cure, and we also make a point of telling gamers 'you are going to be caught'."
"It is imperative that sport is straight, and is seen to be directly," he adds.
"If it loses that then people don't wish to wager, that is not in gambling companies' interests, and it is not in our interests."
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He said that when an excellent track record was lost, the damage to a sport was "incalculable".
FA rules mean players are not allowed to wager on a competitors in which they are included.
Mr Johnson says players need to be seen not to be cashing in on any inside understanding, which he states could cause "brand damage" to football and its competitions.
So, even a 2nd Division gamer knocked out of the FA Cup in the autumn can not wager on a Manchester United v Chelsea cup final the following spring.
"We need to overcome to players the reputational danger to the video game," he states. "Once confidence has actually been harmed it is difficult 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 manage industrial gaming 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 bulk of sports betting occurring through UK operators is legal and fair," he states.
"But for some there is the temptation to ... corruptly hinder the outcome of a sporting event.
"Such cheating has the possible to weaken the integrity of a sport, and it likewise harms the commercial interests of sports bodies and sports wagering."
The commission has actually established an in-house Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to receive and distribute info to sporting authorities, betting companies and policing authorities.
"Since 2007 we have actually experienced a significant insight into world of corrupt sports betting," he says.
"We will signal sports of our concerns, to assist prevent or cut [unlawful] activity"
In May 2010, the commission likewise presented a personal telephone hotline for those with info or suspicions.
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'Vulnerabilities'
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But in a two-and-a-half year duration there has actually been just 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 eight continuous investigations, and that much beneficial information has also been passed to sports authorities.
He stated that where an investigation by a sport governing body was quicker, and more expense efficient, then the commission would consider ceasing a criminal investigation "in favour of letting sports betting governing bodies take the lead".
Meanwhile, he states numerous of those looking to cheat the sports betting market were educated about sports and sporting individuals, and about wagering operations and the movement of money.
"They look for out the vulnerabilities of these to assist in their business."
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Sport Betting Industry Aims To Protect Itself
tiffinyswartwo edited this page 2025-01-29 19:57:19 +00:00