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Sport sports betting market looks to secure itself
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16 September 2010

By Bill Wilson

Business reporter, BBC News

sports betting on sport is huge company.

Sport England estimates the value of spending on sport-related gaming in England grew from ₤ 1.7 bn in 1985 to ₤ 2.8 bn in 2008.

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

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

But when the integrity of occasions are struck the sports betting industry suffers, and profits are put under hazard if consumers can not bet with confidence.

And there can have been couple of higher-profile sport sports betting stories than those impacting cricket and snooker this year.

High-profile

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

"Not only is it a significant market in world service, it is one that is now on the front pages of newspapers."

Four Pakistan cricketers have been questioned by authorities over spot-fixing allegations relating to a test versus England at Lord's last month.

Three of these gamers have 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, however was banned recently for 6 months for failing to report the prohibited method to him to toss frames.

There are also 2 other continuing examinations - unrelated to Mr Higgins - into snooker.

'Honest'

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

"If the sport is viewed as sincere, straight and fair that benefits betting firms since people will invest cash sports betting with self-confidence," he says.

"If you take the Pakistan allegations, although unassociated to the UK controlled wagering market ... it is not truly a favorable story for wagering in the UK.

"That is because the understanding is that 'cricket is now something we might need to be cautious about'."

'Education'

So what can be done to prevent future scandals?
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According to professionals at a World sports betting Law Report conference into sports betting gambling, the focus has to be on sportspersons and sportswomen.

As Simon Taylor of the Professional Players' Federation points out: "The only people who can fix 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 inadequate to merely have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary treatments, but that the way to take on potential issues around gamers is likewise through education.

Mr Taylor states rules require to be explained plainly to gamers with clear examples, and by individuals they appreciate.

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

"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, agrees.
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"Prevention is much better than cure, and we likewise make a point of telling players 'you are going to be captured'."

"It is essential that sport is straight, and is seen to be straight," he includes.

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

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

FA rules imply players are not permitted to wager on a competition in which they are included.

Mr Johnson states gamers need 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 gamer 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 danger to the video game," he states. "Once self-confidence has actually been damaged it is difficult to get it back - mud sticks."
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'Overwhelmingly legal'

If this represents the "carrot" technique, then maybe Nick Tofiluk, director of regulation at the Gambling Commission, represents the "stick".

The Gambling Commission was set up under the Gambling Act 2005 to manage business gambling in Great Britain.

An ex-chief constable of West Midlands authorities, Mr Tofiluk has obligation 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 wagering happening through UK operators is legal and reasonable," he says.

"But for some there is the temptation to ... corruptly disrupt the result of a sporting event.

"Such cheating has the possible to weaken the integrity of a sport, and it also damages the commercial interests of sports betting bodies and sports betting wagering."

The commission has established an in-house Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to receive and share details to sporting authorities, wagering companies and policing authorities.

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

"We will signal sports betting of our concerns, to assist prevent or reduce [prohibited] activity"

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

'Vulnerabilities'

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

However, Mr Tofiluk says there are still eight continuous examinations, and that much beneficial details has actually likewise been passed to sports betting authorities.

He stated that where an investigation by a sport governing body was quicker, and more cost effective, then the commission would consider discontinuing a criminal examination "in favour of letting sports betting governing bodies take the lead".

Meanwhile, he says a number of those wanting to cheat the sports betting wagering market were experienced about sports betting and sporting people, and about sports betting operations and the movement of money.
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"They seek out the vulnerabilities of these to assist in their business."

Related web 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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