Sport wagering industry seeks to safeguard itself

16 September 2010

By Bill Wilson

reporter, BBC News

Betting on sport is huge organization.

Sport England estimates the worth of spending on sport-related gambling 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 study firm Sport & Markt estimates the total global gaming market will deserve 263bn euros (₤ 220bn) by 2012, with much of that driven by web and sports betting gambling.

But when the integrity of events are struck the gambling market suffers, and incomes are put under threat if clients can not wager 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
bit.ly
As Sport & Markt's Gareth Moore observes: "Everyone discuss the sports betting market now.

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

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

Three of these gamers have actually stated they will also challenge the corruption charges installed 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 last week for six months for stopping working to report the prohibited technique to him to throw frames.

There are also 2 other continuing examinations - not related to Mr Higgins - into snooker.
bit.ly
'Honest'

David O'Reilly is legal counsel for Betfair, among the UK's most significant online sporting exchanges.

"If the sport is viewed as truthful, straight and reasonable that benefits betting companies due to the fact that people will spend cash wagering with confidence," he says.

"If you take the Pakistan accusations, although unrelated to the UK managed wagering market ... it is not actually a positive story for wagering in the UK.

"That is since the perception is that 'cricket is now something we may have to beware about'."

'Education'

So what can be done to prevent 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.
bet9ja.com
As Simon Taylor of the Professional Players' Federation mentions: "The only people who can repair a match are the rivals or the referee."

His organisation represents men and women 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 merely have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary procedures, however that the way to take on possible problems around players is also through education.

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

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

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

'Brand damage'

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

"Prevention is better than cure, and we likewise make a point of telling gamers 'you are going to be captured'."

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

"If it loses that then individuals do not want to bet, that is not in sports betting companies' interests, and it is not in our interests."

He stated that as soon as a great credibility was lost, the damage to a sport was "enormous".

FA guidelines mean players are not allowed to bet on a competition in which they are involved.

Mr Johnson says gamers have to be seen not to be capitalizing any inside understanding, which he says might cause "brand damage" to football and its competitions.

So, even a Second Division player knocked out of the FA Cup in the fall can not bank on a Manchester United v Chelsea cup last the following spring.

"We need to get over to gamers the reputational risk to the video game," he states. "Once confidence has actually been damaged it is difficult to get it back - mud sticks."

'Overwhelmingly legal'

If this represents the "carrot" technique, then perhaps Nick Tofiluk, director of regulation at the Gambling Commission, represents the "stick".

The Gambling Commission was set up under the Gambling Act 2005 to regulate commercial gaming in Great Britain.

An ex-chief constable of West Midlands police, Mr Tofiluk has obligation 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 wagering happening through UK operators is legal and reasonable," he says.

"But for some there is the temptation to ... corruptly disrupt the outcome of a sporting occasion.

"Such unfaithful has the potential to weaken the stability of a sport, and it also hurts the industrial interests of sports betting bodies and sports betting."

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

"Since 2007 we have actually experienced a significant insight into world of corrupt sports betting wagering," he says.
bit.ly
"We will inform sports betting of our issues, to assist prevent or reduce [illegal] activity"

In May 2010, the commission likewise introduced a confidential telephone hotline for those with information 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 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 expense effective, then the commission would consider ceasing a criminal investigation "in favour of letting sports betting governing bodies take the lead".

Meanwhile, he says a lot of those wanting to cheat the sports betting wagering market were experienced about sports betting and sporting individuals, and about sports betting operations and the motion of cash.

"They look for out the vulnerabilities of these to help in their enterprises."

Related internet links

World sports betting Law Report

ICC

Professional Players Federation

Professional Footballers' Association

The FA

Betfair

Sport & Markt
bit.ly
BLP

Gambling Commission
bet9ja.com