Sport Betting Industry Aims To Protect Itself

Sport sports betting market aims to protect itself

16 September 2010

By Bill Wilson

Business reporter, BBC News

sports betting on sport is substantial service.

Sport England approximates the value of costs on sport-related gambling 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 estimated ₤ 1bn bet on the World Cup alone in the UK this summertime.

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

But when the of events are hit the betting industry suffers, and earnings are put under risk if customers can not wager with confidence.

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

High-profile

As Sport & Markt’s Gareth Moore observes: “Everyone speak about the sports betting market now.

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

Four Pakistan cricketers have actually been questioned by police over spot-fixing allegations 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 allegations, however was prohibited recently for six months for stopping working to report the illegal method to him to throw frames.

There are also two other continuing examinations – not associated to Mr Higgins – into snooker.

‘Honest’

David O’Reilly is legal counsel for Betfair, one of the UK’s biggest online sporting exchanges.

“If the sport is perceived as sincere, straight and fair that is great for sports betting firms since individuals will spend money wagering with self-confidence,” he states.

“If you take the Pakistan allegations, although unrelated to the UK controlled sports betting industry … it is not really a favorable story for wagering in the UK.

“That is since the perception 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 specialists at a World sports betting Law Report conference into sports betting gambling, the focus needs to be on sportspersons and sportswomen.

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

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

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

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

“Through informing gamers about sports betting wagering you reinforce integrity which remains in everybody’s interest,” he adds.

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

‘Brand damage’

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

“Prevention is much better than cure, and we likewise make a point of telling 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 do not desire to wager, that is not in gaming firms’ interests, and it is not in our interests.”

He stated that as soon as a great track record was lost, the damage to a sport was “incalculable”.

FA guidelines mean players are not permitted to bet on a competitors in which they are involved.

Mr Johnson states gamers need to be seen not to be capitalizing any inside knowledge, which he states could 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 have to overcome to gamers the reputational danger to the game,” he states. “Once confidence has been harmed it is difficult to get it back – mud sticks.”

‘Overwhelmingly legal’

If this represents the “carrot” technique, then maybe Nick Tofiluk, director of guideline at the Gambling Commission, represents the “stick”.

The Gambling Commission was established under the Gambling Act 2005 to manage business gaming in Great Britain.

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

“The overwhelming bulk of sports betting wagering occurring through UK operators is legal and fair,” he says.

“But for some there is the temptation to … corruptly interfere with the outcome of a sporting event.

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

The commission has actually developed an internal Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to get and distribute details to sporting authorities, betting firms and policing authorities.

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

“We will alert sports betting of our issues, to assist avoid or cut [illegal] activity”

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

‘Vulnerabilities’

But in a two-and-a-half year period there has been simply 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 helpful information has likewise been passed to sports betting authorities.

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

Meanwhile, he says a lot of those aiming to cheat the sports betting industry were educated about sports betting and sporting people, and about wagering operations and the movement of money.

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

Related internet links

World sports betting Law Report

ICC

Professional Players Federation

Professional Footballers’ Association

The FA

Betfair

Sport & Markt

BLP

Gambling Commission

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