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Sport wagering market aims to secure itself
16 September 2010
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By Bill Wilson
Business reporter, BBC News
sports betting on sport is substantial 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.
Which figure is likely to have grown even more, with an estimated ₤ 1bn bet on the World Cup alone in the UK this summertime.
Meanwhile, German research study company Sport & Markt approximates the general global gaming market will deserve 263bn euros (₤ 220bn) by 2012, with much of that driven by web and sports betting.
But when the integrity of occasions are struck the gambling industry suffers, and earnings are put under threat if customers can not wager with self-confidence.
And there can have been few higher-profile sport wagering stories than those affecting 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 been questioned by police over spot-fixing allegations relating to a test versus 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 champion John Higgins was cleared of match-fixing allegations, however was prohibited last week for six months for stopping working to report the illegal approach to him to toss frames.
There are likewise 2 other continuing examinations - not related 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 viewed as sincere, straight and reasonable that benefits betting companies because people will spend cash wagering with self-confidence," he says.
"If you take the Pakistan claims, although unrelated to the UK regulated sports betting market ... it is not truly a positive story for sports betting in the UK.
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"That is because the perception is that 'cricket is now something we may have to beware 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 gambling, the focus has to be on sportspersons and sportswomen.
As Simon Taylor of the Professional Players' Federation points out: "The only people who can repair 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 gamer organisations, such as the Professional Footballers' Association.
He believes that it is insufficient to simply have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary procedures, however that the method to deal with prospective concerns around gamers is likewise through education.
Mr Taylor states rules need to be explained plainly to gamers with clear examples, and by individuals they appreciate.
"Through educating gamers about sports betting 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 regulative legal guidance at the Football Association, concurs.
"Prevention is better than treatment, and we also make a point of informing gamers 'you are going to be captured'."
"It is important that sport is straight, and is seen to be straight," he adds.
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"If it loses that then people don't desire to bet, that is not in gambling companies' interests, and it is not in our interests."
He stated that when an excellent track record was lost, the damage to a sport was "incalculable".
FA guidelines suggest gamers are not permitted to wager on a competition in which they are included.
Mr Johnson says players have actually to be seen not to be capitalizing any inside understanding, which he states could cause "brand name damage" to and its competitors.
So, even a 2nd Division player knocked out of the FA Cup in the fall can not wager on a Manchester United v Chelsea cup last the following spring.
"We need to overcome to players the reputational risk to the game," he states. "Once confidence has actually been harmed it is tough to get it back - mud sticks."
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'Overwhelmingly legal'
If this represents the "carrot" technique, then perhaps Nick Tofiluk, director of guideline at the Gambling Commission, represents the "stick".
The Gambling Commission was established under the Gambling Act 2005 to regulate commercial gaming in Great Britain.
An ex-chief constable of West Midlands police, Mr Tofiluk has duty for policing all betting in the UK apart from spread betting, which is the remit of the FSA.
"The frustrating majority of sports betting taking location through UK operators is legal and reasonable," he says.
"But for some there is the temptation to ... corruptly interfere with the result of a sporting event.
"Such unfaithful has the possible to undermine the integrity of a sport, and it also harms the business interests of sports betting bodies and sports betting."
The commission has established an in-house Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to receive and share information to sporting authorities, sports betting companies and policing authorities.
"Since 2007 we have actually experienced a substantial insight into world of corrupt sports betting wagering," he states.
"We will alert sports betting of our issues, to assist prevent or curtail [prohibited] activity"
In May 2010, the commission also presented a confidential telephone hotline for those with information or suspicions.
'Vulnerabilities'
But in a two-and-a-half year duration there has actually been just one criminal prosecution, a 24-year-old man who was cautioned for unfaithful in relation to greyhound racing.
However, Mr Tofiluk states there are still eight continuous examinations, and that much helpful information has actually also been passed to sports betting authorities.
He stated that where an examination 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 states much of those aiming to cheat the sports betting wagering market were well-informed about sports betting and sporting people, and about sports betting operations and the movement of money.
"They look for the vulnerabilities of these to help in their business."
Related web links
World sports betting Law Report
ICC
Professional Players Federation
Professional Footballers' Association
The FA
Betfair
Sport & Markt
bet9ja.com
BLP
Gambling Commission
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Sport Betting Industry Wants To Protect Itself
Errol Miah edited this page 2025-01-16 05:33:26 +08:00