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Sport wagering industry seeks to safeguard itself
16 September 2010
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By Bill Wilson
Business press reporter, BBC News
sports betting on sport is huge company.
Sport England estimates the value of costs on sport-related sports betting 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 approximated ₤ 1bn bet on the World Cup alone in the UK this summer.
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Meanwhile, German research study firm Sport & Markt approximates the total international gambling market will deserve 263bn euros (₤ 220bn) by 2012, with much of that driven by web and sports betting gaming.
But when the stability of occasions are struck the gaming market 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 discuss the sports betting gambling market now.
"Not only is it a significant market in world service, it is one that is now on the front pages of papers."
Four Pakistan cricketers have actually been questioned by authorities over spot-fixing accusations relating to a test against England at Lord's last month.
Three of these gamers have said 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 champion John Higgins was cleared of match-fixing accusations, but was prohibited last week for 6 months for stopping working to report the illegal approach to him to toss frames.
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There are likewise two other continuing investigations - not associated 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 honest, straight and reasonable that benefits wagering firms since individuals will spend cash betting with confidence," he states.
"If you take the Pakistan claims, although unrelated to the UK managed wagering industry ... it is not really a positive story for sports betting in the UK.
"That is since the perception is that 'cricket is now something we might need to beware about'."
'Education'
So what can be done to scandals?
According to experts at a World sports betting Law Report conference into sports betting, the focus needs to be on sportsmen and sportswomen.
As Simon Taylor of the Professional Players' Federation explains: "The only people who can repair a match are the rivals 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 believes that it is insufficient to simply have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary procedures, however that the way to tackle potential concerns around players is also through education.
Mr Taylor says rules need to be discussed clearly to players with clear examples, and by individuals they appreciate.
"Through informing players about sports betting you reinforce integrity and that is in everybody's interest," he adds.
"If gamers are harder to corrupt then sport will be more difficult to corrupt."
'Brand damage'
Matt Johnson, head of regulatory legal guidance at the Football Association, concurs.
"Prevention is much better than treatment, and we also make a point of informing gamers 'you are going to be captured'."
"It is essential that sport is straight, and is seen to be directly," he includes.
"If it loses that then people do not wish to wager, that is not in sports betting firms' interests, and it is not in our interests."
He said that as soon as a great credibility was lost, the damage to a sport was "enormous".
FA rules imply gamers are not enabled to bank on a competitors in which they are included.
Mr Johnson says players have to be seen not to be capitalizing any inside understanding, which he states might trigger "brand damage" to football and its competitions.
So, even a Second Division player knocked out of the FA Cup in the autumn can not bet on a Manchester United v Chelsea cup final the following spring.
"We need to get over to gamers the reputational risk to the video game," he says. "Once self-confidence has been damaged it is tough to get it back - mud sticks."
'Overwhelmingly legal'
If this represents the "carrot" technique, then perhaps Nick Tofiluk, director of policy at the Gambling Commission, represents the "stick".
The Gambling Commission was set up under the Gambling Act 2005 to regulate commercial gambling in Great Britain.
An ex-chief constable of West Midlands police, Mr Tofiluk has duty for policing all wagering in the UK apart from spread sports betting, which is the remit of the FSA.
"The overwhelming bulk of sports betting taking location through UK operators is legal and reasonable," he says.
"But for some there is the temptation to ... corruptly hinder the result of a sporting event.
"Such cheating has the potential to undermine the integrity of a sport, and it likewise harms the business interests of sports betting bodies and sports betting."
The commission has actually developed an internal Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to get and share details to sporting authorities, wagering firms and policing authorities.
"Since 2007 we have experienced a considerable insight into world of corrupt sports betting," he says.
"We will alert sports betting of our concerns, to help prevent or reduce [prohibited] activity"
In May 2010, the commission also introduced a personal telephone hotline for those with info or suspicions.
'Vulnerabilities'
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But in a two-and-a-half year duration there has been just one prosecution, a 24-year-old man who was cautioned for cheating in relation to greyhound racing.
However, Mr Tofiluk states there are still 8 continuous examinations, which much helpful details has also been passed to sports betting authorities.
He said that where an investigation by a sport governing body was quicker, and more expense efficient, then the commission would consider ceasing a criminal examination "in favour of letting sports betting governing bodies take the lead".
Meanwhile, he says much of those wanting to cheat the sports betting wagering industry were knowledgeable about sports betting and sporting individuals, and about sports betting operations and the motion of cash.
"They look for the vulnerabilities of these to assist in their enterprises."
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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Sport Betting Industry Aims To Protect Itself
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