Sport wagering market looks to secure itself
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16 September 2010

By Bill Wilson

Business press reporter, BBC News

sports betting on sport is substantial business.

Sport England approximates the value of costs 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 even more, with an estimated ₤ 1bn bet on the World Cup alone in the UK this summer season.

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

But when the stability of occasions are hit the gaming market suffers, and profits are put under risk if clients can not bet 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 speak about the sports betting market now.

"Not only is it a considerable market in world company, it is one that is now on the front pages of papers."
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Four Pakistan cricketers have been questioned by authorities over spot-fixing claims associating with a test against England at Lord's last month.

Three of these players 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 champion John Higgins was cleared of match-fixing allegations, 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 - unrelated to Mr Higgins - into snooker.

'Honest'

David O'Reilly is legal counsel for Betfair, one of the UK's biggest online sporting exchanges.

"If the sport is viewed as sincere, straight and fair that benefits wagering firms because people will spend money sports betting with self-confidence," he states.

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

"That is due to the fact that the perception is that 'cricket is now something we might need to beware about'."

'Education'

So what can be done to avoid future scandals?

According to specialists 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 individuals who can fix a match are the rivals or the referee."

His organisation represents males and ladies 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 insufficient to simply have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary treatments, however that the way to take on possible issues around players is likewise through education.

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

"Through educating gamers about sports betting wagering you strengthen integrity which is in everyone's interest," he includes.

"If players are harder to corrupt then sport will be harder to corrupt."

'Brand damage'

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

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

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

"If it loses that then individuals do not wish to bet, that is not in gaming firms' interests, and it is not in our interests."

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

FA rules mean gamers are not permitted to wager on a competitors in which they are involved.

Mr Johnson says players have actually to be seen not to be capitalizing any inside knowledge, which he says might trigger "brand damage" to football and its competitors.

So, even a 2nd Division gamer knocked out of the FA Cup in the fall can not wager on a Manchester United v Chelsea cup last the following spring.

"We need to overcome to players the reputational threat to the game," he states. "Once confidence has been damaged it is tough to get it back - mud sticks."

'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 regulate business gaming in Great Britain.

An ex-chief constable of West Midlands authorities, Mr has responsibility for policing all wagering in the UK apart from spread wagering, which is the remit of the FSA.

"The frustrating bulk of sports betting 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 possible to weaken the stability of a sport, and it also harms the industrial interests of sports betting bodies and sports betting."

The commission has established an internal Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to get and distribute information to sporting authorities, sports betting firms and policing authorities.

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

"We will inform sports betting of our issues, to help prevent or cut [prohibited] activity"

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

'Vulnerabilities'

But in a two-and-a-half year duration there has actually been simply one criminal prosecution, a 24-year-old man who was warned for cheating in relation to greyhound racing.

However, Mr Tofiluk says there are still 8 continuous investigations, which much useful info has actually likewise been passed to sports betting authorities.

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

Meanwhile, he states a lot of those aiming to cheat the sports betting wagering market were experienced about sports betting and sporting individuals, and about wagering operations and the movement of money.

"They look for out the vulnerabilities of these to assist in their business."

Related internet links

World sports betting Law Report

ICC

Professional Players Federation

Professional Footballers' Association

The FA

Betfair

Sport & Markt

BLP
bet9ja.com
Gambling Commission

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