GitLab

bit.ly
Sport sports betting market looks to safeguard itself
bit.ly
16 September 2010

By Bill Wilson

Business press reporter, BBC News

sports betting on sport is big organization.

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.

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

Meanwhile, German research study company Sport & Markt approximates the total worldwide gaming market will be worth 263bn euros (₤ 220bn) by 2012, with much of that driven by internet and sports betting gambling.

But when the integrity of occasions are hit the sports betting market suffers, and profits are put under danger if clients can not bet with self-confidence.

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

High-profile

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

"Not only is it a considerable market in world service, it is one that is now on the front pages of papers."

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 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 champ John Higgins was cleared of match-fixing allegations, but was prohibited recently for 6 months for failing to report the illegal approach to him to throw frames.

There are also two other continuing examinations - not related 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 honest, straight and reasonable that benefits sports betting companies due to the fact that individuals will invest money wagering with confidence," he states.

"If you take the Pakistan allegations, although unrelated to the UK regulated wagering industry ... it is not actually a positive story for wagering in the UK.

"That is since the understanding is that 'cricket is now something we might have to take care about'."

'Education'

So what can be done to avoid future scandals?

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

As Simon Taylor of the Professional Players' Federation explains: "The only people who can fix 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 merely have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary procedures, but that the method to take on possible issues around gamers is likewise through education.

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

"Through informing gamers about sports betting wagering you strengthen integrity which remains in everybody's interest," he includes.

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

'Brand damage'

Matt Johnson, head of regulatory legal advice at the Football Association, concurs.
bet9ja.com
"Prevention is much better than cure, and we likewise make a point of informing players 'you are going to be caught'."

"It is crucial that sport is straight, and is seen to be straight," he adds.

"If it loses that then people do not wish to bet, that is not in gambling companies' interests, and it is not in our interests."

He stated that as soon as an excellent reputation was lost, the damage to a sport was "enormous".

FA guidelines indicate players are not enabled to bet on a competition in which they are included.

Mr Johnson states players have to be seen not to be cashing in on any inside knowledge, which he says could cause "brand damage" to football and its competitors.

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

"We have to get over to players the reputational risk to the game," he states. "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 policy at the Gambling Commission, represents the "stick".

The Gambling Commission was set up under the Gambling Act 2005 to control commercial sports betting in Great Britain.

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

"The overwhelming bulk of sports betting occurring through UK operators is legal and reasonable," he states.

"But for some there is the temptation to ... corruptly disrupt the result of a sporting event.

"Such cheating has the possible to undermine the integrity of a sport, and it likewise damages the commercial interests of sports betting bodies and sports betting wagering."

The commission has actually developed an in-house Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to receive and share info to sporting authorities, wagering companies and policing authorities.

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

"We will notify sports betting of our concerns, to assist prevent or curtail [illegal] activity"

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

'Vulnerabilities'

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

However, Mr Tofiluk says there are still 8 ongoing examinations, which much helpful info has likewise been passed to sports betting authorities.

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

Meanwhile, he states a lot of those seeking to cheat the sports betting wagering industry were experienced about sports betting and sporting individuals, and about wagering operations and the motion of money.

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

Related internet links

World sports betting Law Report

ICC

Professional Players Federation

Professional Footballers' Association

The FA

Betfair

Sport & Markt
bet9ja.com
BLP

Gambling Commission
bet9ja.com