Betting on sport is huge organization.
Sport England estimates the value of costs 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 summertime.
Meanwhile, German research study company Sport & Markt approximates the total global gambling market will deserve 263bn euros (₤ 220bn) by 2012, with much of that driven by web and sports betting gambling.
But when the stability of events are hit the gambling market suffers, and earnings are put under hazard if consumers 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 talks about the sports betting gambling market now.
"Not just is it a significant market in world company, it is one that is now on the front pages of newspapers."
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Four Pakistan cricketers have actually been questioned by authorities over spot-fixing claims relating to a test against England at Lord's last month.
Three of these gamers have said 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 prohibited recently for 6 months for failing to report the unlawful method to him to throw frames.
There are likewise two other continuing examinations - unrelated to Mr Higgins - into snooker.
'Honest'
David O'Reilly is legal counsel for Betfair, one of the UK's most significant online sporting exchanges.
"If the sport is perceived as sincere, straight and reasonable that is excellent for 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 regulated wagering market ... it is not really a positive story for wagering in the UK.
"That is due to the fact that the understanding is that 'cricket is now something we may have to beware about'."
'Education'
So what can be done to prevent future scandals?
According to experts at a World Sports Law Report conference into sports betting, the focus has to be on sportspersons and sportswomen.
As Simon Taylor of the Professional Players' Federation points out: "The only individuals 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 gamer organisations, such as the Professional Footballers' Association.
He believes that it is insufficient to merely have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary treatments, but that the way to take on potential issues around gamers is also through education.
Mr Taylor states rules need to be explained clearly to gamers with clear examples, and by people they appreciate.
"Through informing players about sports betting you reinforce integrity which is in everyone'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.
"Prevention is much better than remedy, and we likewise make a point of informing gamers 'you are going to be captured'."
"It is vital that sport is directly, and is seen to be straight," he includes.
"If it loses that then individuals don't want to bet, that is not in betting companies' 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".
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FA guidelines indicate gamers are not allowed to wager on a competitors in which they are involved.
Mr Johnson states gamers have to be seen not to be cashing in on any inside understanding, which he says could cause "brand name damage" to football and its competitions.
So, even a Second Division gamer knocked out of the FA Cup in the autumn can not wager on a Manchester United v Chelsea cup last the following spring.
"We have to overcome to players the reputational danger to the game," he says. "Once confidence has actually been damaged it is tough to get it back - mud sticks."
'Overwhelmingly legal'
If this represents the "carrot" approach, then perhaps Nick Tofiluk, director of regulation at the Gambling Commission, represents the "stick".
The Gambling Commission was established under the Gambling Act 2005 to regulate industrial betting in Great Britain.
An ex-chief constable of West Midlands cops, Mr Tofiluk has obligation for policing all betting 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 says.
"But for some there is the temptation to ... corruptly disrupt the result of a sporting occasion.
"Such cheating has the possible to undermine the stability of a sport, and it likewise damages the commercial interests of sports betting bodies and sports betting."
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The commission has actually developed an internal Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to receive and disseminate info to sporting authorities, wagering companies and policing authorities.
"Since 2007 we have actually experienced a significant insight into world of corrupt sports wagering," he states.
"We will notify sports of our issues, to assist prevent or cut [prohibited] activity"
In May 2010, the commission also presented a confidential telephone hotline for those with details or suspicions.
'Vulnerabilities'
But in a two-and-a-half year duration there has been just one criminal prosecution, a 24-year-old male who was warned for cheating in relation to greyhound racing.
However, Mr Tofiluk states there are still 8 ongoing investigations, which much helpful info has actually also been passed to sports authorities.
He stated that where an investigation by a sport governing body was quicker, and more cost reliable, then the commission would consider terminating a criminal examination "in favour of letting sports betting governing bodies take the lead".
Meanwhile, he says much of those aiming to cheat the sports betting wagering market were knowledgeable about sports and sporting individuals, and about betting operations and the motion of money.
"They look for the vulnerabilities of these to assist in their business."
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Sport Betting Industry Seeks To Protect Itself
jamelpartridge edited this page 2025-01-29 22:27:01 +08:00