Sport Betting Industry Looks To Protect Itself

Betting on sport is big business.

Sport England estimates the worth of costs on sport-related betting in England grew from ₤ 1.7 bn in 1985 to ₤ 2.8 bn in 2008.

Which figure is most likely to have actually grown further, with an estimated ₤ 1bn bet on the World Cup alone in the UK this summer.

Meanwhile, German research firm Sport & Markt estimates the total worldwide gaming market will deserve 263bn euros (₤ 220bn) by 2012, with much of that driven by web and sports gaming.

But when the integrity of occasions are struck the betting industry suffers, and incomes are put under risk if consumers can not wager with self-confidence.

And there can have been couple of higher-profile sport betting 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 papers. »

Four Pakistan cricketers have actually been questioned by authorities over spot-fixing claims 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 mounted 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 accusations, but was banned recently for 6 months for stopping working to report the illegal technique to him to toss frames.

There are also 2 other continuing investigations – not associated 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 perceived as truthful, straight and reasonable that benefits wagering companies due to the fact that people will invest cash wagering with self-confidence, » he says.

« If you take the Pakistan accusations, although unassociated to the UK managed betting industry … it is not truly a positive story for wagering in the UK.

« That is because the perception is that ‘cricket is now something we might need to take care about’. »

‘Education’

So what can be done to prevent future scandals?

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

As Simon Taylor of the Professional Players’ Federation explains: « The only individuals who can repair a match are the competitors or the referee. »

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

He believes that it is not adequate to merely have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary procedures, but that the way to tackle prospective issues around gamers is likewise through education.

Mr Taylor states guidelines require to be described plainly to players with clear examples, and by people they appreciate.

« Through informing players about sports betting you enhance stability which is 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, agrees.

« Prevention is better than treatment, and we likewise make a point of informing gamers ‘you are going to be caught’. »

« It is imperative that sport is straight, and is seen to be directly, » he includes.

« If it loses that then individuals don’t wish to bet, that is not in betting companies’ interests, and it is not in our interests. »

He said that as soon as a great reputation was lost, the damage to a sport was « incalculable ».

FA guidelines suggest players are not allowed to bet on a competition in which they are included.

Mr Johnson says gamers need to be seen not to be capitalizing any inside knowledge, which he states could cause « brand name damage » to football and its competitors.

So, even a 2nd 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 have to overcome to players the reputational threat to the game, » he says. « Once self-confidence has actually been damaged 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 industrial gambling in Great Britain.

An ex-chief constable of West Midlands police, 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 wagering taking location through UK operators is legal and reasonable, » he states.

« But for some there is the temptation to … corruptly interfere with the result of a sporting occasion.

« Such unfaithful has the potential to undermine the stability of a sport, and it also damages the business interests of sports bodies and sports betting. »

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

« Since 2007 we have actually experienced a considerable insight into world of corrupt sports betting, » he says.

« We will notify sports betting of our concerns, to help prevent or cut [prohibited] activity »

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

‘Vulnerabilities’

But in a two-and-a-half year period there has been just 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 investigations, and that much beneficial info has also been passed to sports authorities.

He stated that where an investigation by a sport governing body was quicker, and more expense efficient, then the commission would consider terminating a criminal investigation « in favour of letting sports betting governing bodies take the lead ».

Meanwhile, he states a lot of those looking to cheat the sports wagering industry were knowledgeable about sports and sporting people, and about betting operations and the movement of money.

« They look for the vulnerabilities of these to assist in their enterprises. »