Sport Betting Industry Wants To Protect Itself

Betting on sport is big business.

Sport England estimates the worth 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 likely to have actually grown further, with an approximated ₤ 1bn bet on the World Cup alone in the UK this summer.

Meanwhile, German research study firm Sport & Markt estimates the general international gambling market will deserve 263bn euros (₤ 220bn) by 2012, with much of that driven by internet and sports betting gambling.

But when the stability of events are struck the gaming market suffers, and earnings are put under danger if clients can not bet with confidence.

And there can have been few higher-profile sport betting 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 business, it is one that is now on the front pages of papers.”

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

Three of these players have actually stated they will likewise challenge the corruption charges installed 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 banned recently for 6 months for failing to report the illegal approach to him to toss 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 truthful, straight and reasonable that is great for betting companies since individuals will invest cash betting with confidence,” he states.

“If you take the Pakistan claims, although unrelated to the UK regulated wagering industry … it is not truly a positive story for betting in the UK.

“That is since the understanding is that ‘cricket is now something we may have to be cautious about’.”

‘Education’

So what can be done to prevent future scandals?

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

As Simon Taylor of the Professional Players’ Federation mentions: “The only individuals who can fix a match are the rivals or the referee.”

His organisation represents males and females in 15 sports in the UK, being an umbrella organisation for all gamer organisations, such as the Professional Footballers’ Association.

He thinks that it is inadequate to merely have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary procedures, but that the method to take on possible concerns around players is likewise through education.

Mr Taylor says rules require to be explained clearly to gamers with clear examples, and by individuals they appreciate.

“Through educating gamers about sports betting you enhance stability which is in everyone’s interest,” he adds.

“If gamers are harder to corrupt then sport will be harder to corrupt.”

‘Brand damage’

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

“Prevention is much better than treatment, and we also make a point of telling gamers ‘you are going to be captured’.”

“It is necessary that sport is directly, and is seen to be straight,” he adds.

“If it loses that then people do not want to wager, that is not in gambling firms’ interests, and it is not in our interests.”

He stated that when a good track record was lost, the damage to a sport was “enormous”.

FA guidelines indicate gamers are not enabled to wager on a competition in which they are involved.

Mr Johnson states gamers need to be seen not to be cashing in on any inside knowledge, which he says could cause “brand damage” to football and its competitions.

So, even a Second Division gamer knocked out of the FA Cup in the autumn can not bet on a Manchester United v Chelsea cup final the following spring.

“We have to overcome to gamers the reputational threat to the video game,” he states. “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 regulation at the Gambling Commission, represents the “stick”.

The Gambling Commission was established under the Gambling Act 2005 to gambling in Great Britain.

An ex-chief constable of West Midlands cops, Mr Tofiluk has obligation for policing all wagering 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 hinder the outcome of a sporting event.

“Such cheating has the potential to undermine the stability of a sport, and it likewise hurts the commercial interests of sports bodies and sports betting.”

The commission has developed an internal Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to get and disseminate information to sporting authorities, wagering companies and policing authorities.

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

“We will alert sports of our issues, to assist avoid or reduce [prohibited] activity”

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

‘Vulnerabilities’

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

However, Mr Tofiluk says there are still 8 continuous investigations, which much beneficial details has likewise been passed to sports betting authorities.

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

Meanwhile, he states a number of those looking to cheat the sports wagering industry were experienced about sports betting and sporting individuals, and about betting operations and the movement of cash.

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