Sport Betting Industry Seeks To Protect Itself

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Sport wagering industry looks to protect itself

16 September 2010

By Bill Wilson

Business press reporter, BBC News

sports betting on sport is substantial organization.

Sport England estimates the worth 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 grown even more, 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 worldwide gambling market will be worth 263bn euros (₤ 220bn) by 2012, with much of that driven by internet and sports betting gaming.

But when the integrity of events are struck the gambling market suffers, and profits are put under risk if consumers can not bet with confidence.

And there can have been few higher-profile sport wagering stories than those impacting cricket and snooker this year.

High-profile

As Sport & Markt's Gareth Moore observes: "Everyone discuss the sports betting market now.

"Not just is it a substantial market in world business, it is one that is now on the front pages of papers."

Four Pakistan cricketers have actually been questioned by police over spot-fixing accusations associating with a test versus England at Lord's last month.

Three of these gamers have actually said they will likewise challenge the corruption charges installed against 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, however was banned recently for six months for failing to report the prohibited technique to him to throw frames.

There are also 2 other continuing investigations - not associated to Mr Higgins - into snooker.

'Honest'

David O'Reilly is legal counsel for Betfair, among the UK's greatest online sporting exchanges.

"If the sport is viewed as honest, straight and fair that is excellent for sports betting companies because people will spend money sports betting with self-confidence," he states.

"If you take the Pakistan accusations, although unassociated to the UK controlled wagering industry ... it is not really a positive story for sports betting in the UK.

"That is because the perception is that 'cricket is now something we may need to take care about'."

'Education'

So what can be done to prevent future scandals?

According to specialists 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 mentions: "The only individuals who can repair a match are the rivals 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 thinks that it is not adequate to merely have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary procedures, however that the method to take on possible issues around gamers is also through education.

Mr Taylor states rules require to be discussed clearly to players with clear examples, and by people they appreciate.

"Through informing players about sports betting you enhance stability and that remains in everyone's interest," he adds.

"If players are more difficult to corrupt then sport will be more difficult to corrupt."

'Brand damage'

Matt Johnson, head of regulative legal recommendations at the Football Association, concurs.

"Prevention is much better than treatment, and we likewise make a point of informing players 'you are going to be caught'."

"It is important that sport is directly, and is seen to be directly," he includes.

"If it loses that then individuals don't desire to wager, that is not in gambling firms' interests, and it is not in our interests."

He stated that when a great reputation was lost, the damage to a sport was "enormous".

FA guidelines imply players are not enabled to bank on a competitors in which they are included.

Mr Johnson says gamers have actually to be seen not to be cashing in on any inside knowledge, which he says might trigger "brand name damage" to football and its competitors.

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 final the following spring.

"We need to get over to gamers the reputational danger to the game," he states. "Once confidence has actually 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 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 cops, Mr Tofiluk has responsibility for policing all wagering in the UK apart from spread wagering, which is the remit of the FSA.

"The overwhelming bulk of sports betting wagering happening 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 occasion.

"Such unfaithful has the possible to weaken the integrity of a sport, and it likewise hurts the commercial interests of sports betting bodies and sports betting wagering."

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

"Since 2007 we have experienced a considerable insight into world of corrupt sports betting wagering," he says.

"We will signal sports betting of our concerns, to help avoid or cut [illegal] activity"

In May 2010, the commission also presented a personal telephone hotline for those with info or suspicions.

'Vulnerabilities'

But in a two-and-a-half year period there has actually been just one criminal prosecution, a 24-year-old guy who was warned for unfaithful in relation to greyhound racing.

However, Mr Tofiluk states there are still 8 continuous investigations, and that much helpful info has 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 consider discontinuing a criminal investigation "in favour of letting sports betting governing bodies take the lead".

Meanwhile, he states many of those wanting to cheat the sports betting market were experienced about sports betting and sporting individuals, and about wagering operations and the movement of cash.

"They seek out the vulnerabilities of these to assist in their enterprises."