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Betting on sport is substantial business.
Sport England approximates the worth of spending on sport-related gambling 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 approximated ₤ 1bn bet on the World Cup alone in the UK this summer.
Meanwhile, German research firm Sport & Markt estimates the overall global betting market will be worth 263bn euros (₤ 220bn) by 2012, with much of that driven by web and sports betting gambling.
But when the integrity of occasions are hit the betting market suffers, and incomes are put under risk if customers can not wager with confidence.
And there can have been couple of 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 gambling market now.
"Not only is it a considerable market in world service, it is one that is now on the front pages of papers."
Four Pakistan cricketers have actually been questioned by cops over spot-fixing accusations relating to a test versus England at Lord's last month.
Three of these players have actually stated they will also challenge the corruption charges mounted 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 banned recently for 6 months for stopping working to report the prohibited method to him to throw frames.
There are also 2 other continuing investigations - 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 perceived as truthful, straight and fair that benefits wagering firms since people will spend cash wagering with confidence," he states.
"If you take the Pakistan allegations, although unrelated to the UK managed betting market ... it is not really a favorable story for wagering in the UK.
"That is since the understanding is that 'cricket is now something we may have to beware 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, the focus needs to be on sportsmen and sportswomen.
As Simon Taylor of the Professional Players' Federation explains: "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 gamer organisations, such as the Professional Footballers' Association.
He believes that it is not sufficient to merely have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary procedures, however that the method to take on prospective issues around gamers is likewise through education.
Mr Taylor says guidelines require to be discussed plainly to players with clear examples, and by individuals they appreciate.
"Through educating players about sports wagering you reinforce integrity which is in everybody's interest," he includes.
"If players are harder to corrupt then sport will be harder to corrupt."
'Brand damage'
Matt Johnson, head of regulatory legal recommendations at the Football Association, concurs.
"Prevention is much better than remedy, and we also make a point of telling gamers 'you are going to be caught'."
"It is crucial that sport is directly, and is seen to be directly," he includes.
"If it loses that then people do not wish to bet, that is not in gaming firms' interests, and it is not in our interests."
He stated that once a good credibility was lost, the damage to a sport was "enormous".
FA guidelines mean players are not enabled to wager on a competitors in which they are involved.
Mr Johnson states players have to be seen not to be cashing in on any inside knowledge, which he says could trigger "brand name damage" to football and its competitors.
So, even a Second Division gamer knocked out of the FA Cup in the fall can not wager on a Manchester United v Chelsea cup final the following spring.
"We need to overcome to players the reputational risk to the video game," he says. "Once confidence has been damaged it is difficult 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 set up under the Gambling Act 2005 to control commercial betting 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 betting, which is the remit of the FSA.
"The frustrating majority of sports betting wagering happening through UK operators is legal and reasonable," he states.
"But for some there is the temptation to ... corruptly hinder the result of a sporting event.
"Such cheating has the potential to weaken the integrity of a sport, and it likewise damages the business interests of sports betting bodies and sports betting."
The commission has established an in-house Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to receive and share info to sporting authorities, betting companies and policing authorities.
"Since 2007 we have experienced a considerable insight into world of corrupt sports wagering," he says.
"We will alert sports betting of our issues, to assist prevent or reduce [prohibited] activity"
In May 2010, the commission also introduced a confidential 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 cautioned for unfaithful in relation to greyhound racing.
However, Mr Tofiluk says there are still 8 continuous investigations, which much helpful information has also been passed to sports betting authorities.
He said that where an examination 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".
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Meanwhile, he states much of those wanting to cheat the sports betting wagering market were well-informed about sports and sporting individuals, and about betting operations and the movement of cash.
"They look for the vulnerabilities of these to assist in their business."
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Sport Betting Industry Wants To Protect Itself
jeffreyhck9031 edited this page 2025-01-30 11:09:09 +08:00