Sport sports betting market wants to secure itself
16 September 2010
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By Bill Wilson
Business reporter, BBC News
sports betting on sport is big organization.
Sport England estimates the value of costs on sport-related sports betting in England grew from ₤ 1.7 bn in 1985 to ₤ 2.8 bn in 2008.
Which figure is likely to have grown even more, with an approximated ₤ 1bn bet on the World Cup alone in the UK this summer season.
Meanwhile, German research study firm Sport & Markt estimates the overall market will be worth 263bn euros (₤ 220bn) by 2012, with much of that driven by web and sports betting gaming.
But when the integrity of occasions are hit the sports betting market suffers, and incomes are put under danger if consumers can not wager with confidence.
And there can have been couple of higher-profile sport sports betting stories than those impacting cricket and snooker this year.
High-profile
As Sport & Markt's Gareth Moore observes: "Everyone speak about the sports betting gambling market now.
"Not only is it a significant market in world service, it is one that is now on the front pages of newspapers."
Four Pakistan cricketers have actually been questioned by cops over spot-fixing accusations relating to a test against England at Lord's last month.
Three of these players 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 champ John Higgins was cleared of match-fixing claims, but was prohibited recently for 6 months for failing to report the illegal technique to him to throw frames.
There are also two other continuing investigations - unrelated to Mr Higgins - into snooker.
'Honest'
David O'Reilly is legal counsel for Betfair, among the UK's greatest online sporting exchanges.
"If the sport is viewed as honest, straight and reasonable that benefits wagering companies since individuals will spend money betting with self-confidence," he states.
"If you take the Pakistan claims, although unassociated to the UK controlled wagering market ... it is not truly a favorable story for sports betting in the UK.
"That is since the perception is that 'cricket is now something we may need to be mindful about'."
'Education'
So what can be done to avoid future scandals?
According to professionals at a World sports betting 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 rivals or the referee."
His organisation represents guys 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 tackle potential problems around gamers is also through education.
Mr Taylor states rules need to be explained plainly to gamers with clear examples, and by people they appreciate.
"Through educating players about sports betting wagering you strengthen integrity and that is in everybody's interest," he includes.
"If players are more difficult to corrupt then sport will be more difficult to corrupt."
'Brand damage'
Matt Johnson, head of regulatory legal recommendations at the Football Association, concurs.
"Prevention is better than treatment, and we also make a point of telling gamers 'you are going to be caught'."
"It is crucial that sport is directly, and is seen to be straight," he includes.
"If it loses that then individuals do not want to bet, that is not in gaming firms' interests, and it is not in our interests."
He stated that once a good track record was lost, the damage to a sport was "incalculable".
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FA guidelines suggest players are not allowed to wager on a competitors in which they are included.
Mr Johnson says gamers have actually to be seen not to be cashing in on any inside understanding, which he states could trigger "brand damage" to football and its competitors.
So, even a 2nd Division player 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 get over to gamers the reputational threat to the video game," he says. "Once self-confidence has actually been damaged it is hard to get it back - mud sticks."
'Overwhelmingly legal'
If this represents the "carrot" approach, then maybe Nick Tofiluk, director of policy at the Gambling Commission, represents the "stick".
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The Gambling Commission was established under the Gambling Act 2005 to manage industrial sports 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 sports betting, 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 result of a sporting event.
"Such unfaithful has the potential to weaken the stability of a sport, and it likewise damages the commercial interests of sports betting bodies and sports betting."
The commission has established an internal Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to receive and disseminate information to sporting authorities, wagering companies and policing authorities.
"Since 2007 we have actually experienced a significant insight into world of corrupt sports betting," he states.
"We will alert sports betting of our concerns, to assist prevent or reduce [illegal] activity"
In May 2010, the commission also presented a personal 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 warned for unfaithful in relation to greyhound racing.
However, Mr Tofiluk states there are still eight ongoing examinations, and that much helpful details has likewise been passed to sports betting authorities.
He said that where an investigation by a sport governing body was quicker, and more expense reliable, then the commission would think about discontinuing a criminal investigation "in favour of letting sports betting governing bodies take the lead".
Meanwhile, he says a lot of those looking to cheat the sports betting wagering market were well-informed about sports betting and sporting people, and about wagering operations and the movement of money.
"They look for the vulnerabilities of these to assist in their business."
Related internet links
World sports betting Law Report
ICC
Professional Players Federation
Professional Footballers' Association
bit.ly
The FA
Betfair
bit.ly
Sport & Markt
bet9ja.com
BLP
Gambling Commission
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Sport Betting Industry Looks To Protect Itself
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