Sport wagering industry seeks to safeguard itself
16 September 2010
bit.ly
By Bill Wilson
Business reporter, BBC News
sports betting on sport is substantial business.
Sport England approximates the worth of spending on sport-related sports betting in England grew from ₤ 1.7 bn in 1985 to ₤ 2.8 bn in 2008.
And that figure is most likely to have grown further, with an approximated ₤ 1bn bet on the World Cup alone in the UK this summer.
Meanwhile, German research study company Sport & Markt estimates the general worldwide sports betting market will be worth 263bn euros (₤ 220bn) by 2012, with much of that driven by web and sports betting gaming.
But when the stability of events are struck the gambling market suffers, and incomes are put under threat if clients can not wager with 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 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 actually been questioned by authorities over spot-fixing accusations connecting to a test against England at Lord's last month.
Three of these gamers have stated they will also 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 accusations, but was banned last week for 6 months for failing to report the prohibited method to him to throw frames.
There are likewise 2 other continuing investigations - not related 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 viewed as truthful, straight and reasonable that is excellent for sports betting companies since individuals will invest cash wagering with confidence," he states.
"If you take the Pakistan claims, although unassociated to the UK managed 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 be careful about'."
'Education'
So what can be done to prevent future scandals?
According to professionals at a World sports betting Law Report conference into sports betting gambling, the focus needs to be on sportspersons and sportswomen.
As Simon Taylor of the Professional Players' Federation explains: "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 player organisations, such as the Professional Footballers' Association.
He believes that it is inadequate to simply have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary procedures, however that the method to take on potential problems around gamers is likewise through education.
Mr Taylor states rules need to be described clearly to players with clear examples, and by people they appreciate.
"Through educating players about sports betting wagering you strengthen integrity and that is in everyone's interest," he includes.
"If players are more difficult to corrupt then sport will be harder to corrupt."
'Brand damage'
Matt Johnson, head of regulative legal suggestions at the Football Association, agrees.
"Prevention is better than cure, and we also make a point of telling players 'you are going to be captured'."
"It is essential that sport is directly, and is seen to be directly," he includes.
"If it loses that then individuals do not want to wager, that is not in gambling firms' interests, and it is not in our interests."
He said that once a great credibility was lost, the damage to a sport was "incalculable".
FA rules imply players are not permitted to bet on a competition in which they are included.
Mr Johnson states players have to be seen not to be cashing in on 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 autumn can not bank on a Manchester United v Chelsea cup last the following spring.
"We need to overcome to gamers the reputational risk to the video game," he says. "Once confidence has been harmed it is hard to get it back - mud sticks."
'Overwhelmingly legal'
If this represents the "carrot" approach, then perhaps Nick Tofiluk, director of policy at the Gambling Commission, represents the "stick".
The Gambling Commission was established under the Gambling Act 2005 to manage business gaming in Great Britain.
An ex-chief constable of West Midlands authorities, Mr Tofiluk has duty for policing all sports betting in the UK apart from spread sports betting, which is the remit of the FSA.
"The overwhelming bulk of sports betting wagering occurring through UK operators is legal and fair," he says.
"But for some there is the temptation to ... corruptly interfere with the outcome of a sporting event.
"Such unfaithful has the potential to undermine the stability of a sport, and it likewise hurts the interests of sports betting bodies and sports betting."
The commission has actually developed an in-house Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to get and distribute information to sporting authorities, sports betting firms and policing authorities.
"Since 2007 we have experienced a significant insight into world of corrupt sports betting wagering," he states.
"We will notify sports betting of our concerns, to help avoid or reduce [prohibited] activity"
In May 2010, the commission also presented a private telephone hotline for those with details 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 warned for cheating in relation to greyhound racing.
However, Mr Tofiluk states there are still 8 ongoing investigations, and that much beneficial information has actually also been passed to sports betting authorities.
He said that where an examination by a sport governing body was quicker, and more cost reliable, then the commission would think about discontinuing a criminal examination "in favour of letting sports betting governing bodies take the lead".
bit.ly
Meanwhile, he says a lot of those looking to cheat the sports betting wagering industry were experienced about sports betting and sporting people, and about sports betting operations and the movement 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
bit.ly
Sport & Markt
BLP
Gambling Commission
The BBC is not responsible for the material of external sites.
1
Sport Betting Industry Aims To Protect Itself
leonieroberson edited this page 2024-12-31 00:18:34 +00:00