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Sport wagering industry aims to secure itself
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16 September 2010

By Bill Wilson

Business reporter, BBC News

sports betting on sport is huge business.

Sport England approximates the worth of spending on sport-related sports 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 estimated ₤ 1bn bet on the World Cup alone in the UK this summer.

Meanwhile, German research company Sport & Markt approximates the general global gambling market will deserve 263bn euros (₤ 220bn) by 2012, with much of that driven by web and sports betting.

But when the stability of events are struck the gambling industry suffers, and incomes are put under danger if clients can not bet with self-confidence.

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

High-profile

As Sport & Markt's Gareth Moore observes: "Everyone discuss the sports betting market now.

"Not just is it a significant market in world company, it is one that is now on the front pages of newspapers."

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

Three of these gamers have said 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 stopping working to report the unlawful method to him to toss 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 greatest online sporting exchanges.

"If the sport is viewed as sincere, straight and fair that benefits wagering companies due to the fact that individuals will spend cash wagering with confidence," he states.

"If you take the Pakistan claims, although unassociated to the UK managed wagering industry ... it is not actually a positive story for sports betting in the UK.

"That is due to the fact that the understanding is that 'cricket is now something we might need to beware about'."

'Education'

So what can be done to avoid future scandals?

According to specialists at a World sports betting Law Report conference into sports betting gambling, the focus needs to be on sportsmen and sportswomen.

As Simon Taylor of the Professional Players' Federation points out: "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 player organisations, such as the Professional Footballers' Association.

He believes that it is inadequate to simply have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary treatments, however that the method to tackle prospective concerns around players is also through education.

Mr Taylor says rules require to be explained plainly to players with clear examples, and by people they appreciate.

"Through informing gamers about sports betting wagering you reinforce integrity and that remains in everybody's interest," he adds.

"If gamers are more difficult to corrupt then sport will be harder to corrupt."

'Brand damage'

Matt Johnson, head of regulatory legal suggestions at the Football Association, agrees.

"Prevention is much better than remedy, and we also make a point of informing gamers 'you are going to be caught'."

"It is essential that sport is straight, 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 stated that when a great credibility was lost, the damage to a sport was "enormous".

FA guidelines mean players are not allowed to bet on a competitors in which they are included.

Mr Johnson states players need to be seen not to be capitalizing any inside knowledge, which he states might trigger "brand name damage" to football and its competitors.

So, even a 2nd 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 get over to players the reputational threat to the video game," he states. "Once self-confidence has actually been harmed 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 commercial gambling in Great Britain.

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

"The frustrating majority of sports betting happening 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 occasion.

"Such cheating has the possible 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 established an internal Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to receive and disseminate info to sporting authorities, wagering firms and policing authorities.

"Since 2007 we have experienced a into world of corrupt sports betting," he states.

"We will notify sports betting of our issues, to help prevent or curtail [prohibited] activity"

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

'Vulnerabilities'

But in a two-and-a-half year duration there has 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 ongoing investigations, and that much beneficial info has actually likewise been passed to sports betting authorities.

He said that where an examination by a sport governing body was quicker, and more cost reliable, then the commission would consider terminating a criminal examination "in favour of letting sports betting governing bodies take the lead".

Meanwhile, he says a number of those aiming to cheat the sports betting industry were knowledgeable about sports betting and sporting individuals, and about wagering operations and the movement of cash.

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

Related web links

World sports betting Law Report

ICC

Professional Players Federation

Professional Footballers' Association

The FA

Betfair

Sport & Markt
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BLP

Gambling Commission
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