Sport Betting Industry Wants To Protect Itself
Sport sports betting industry looks to secure itself
16 September 2010
By Bill Wilson
Business reporter, BBC News
Betting on sport is huge service.
Sport England approximates the value of costs 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 even more, with an approximated ₤ 1bn bet on the World Cup alone in the UK this summer season.
Meanwhile, German research study company Sport & Markt estimates the total global sports betting market will be worth 263bn euros (₤ 220bn) by 2012, with much of that driven by internet and sports betting.
But when the integrity of occasions are struck the gambling industry suffers, and incomes are put under threat if consumers can not bet with self-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 only is it a considerable market in world company, it is one that is now on the front pages of newspapers. »
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 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 allegations, however was prohibited recently for 6 months for stopping working to report the unlawful technique to him to toss frames.
There are also two other continuing examinations – unrelated 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 perceived as honest, straight and reasonable that benefits wagering companies because people will invest money wagering with confidence, » he states.
« If you take the Pakistan claims, although unassociated to the UK regulated wagering market … it is not actually a favorable story for sports betting in the UK.
« That is since the understanding is that ‘cricket is now something we may need to be mindful about’. »
‘Education’
So what can be done to avoid future scandals?
According to experts at a World sports betting Law Report conference into sports betting, the focus needs to be on sportspersons and sportswomen.
As Simon Taylor of the Professional Players’ Federation mentions: « The only people who can fix 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 gamer organisations, such as the Professional Footballers’ Association.
He thinks that it is not enough to merely have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary treatments, however that the method to tackle prospective problems around players is also through education.
Mr Taylor states guidelines need to be described plainly to players with clear examples, and by individuals they appreciate.
« Through educating gamers about sports betting wagering you enhance integrity and that is in everyone’s interest, » he includes.
« If gamers are more difficult to corrupt then sport will be harder to corrupt. »
‘Brand damage’
Matt Johnson, head of regulative legal guidance at the Football Association, agrees.
« Prevention is better than treatment, and we likewise make a point of informing gamers ‘you are going to be caught’. »
« It is vital that sport is directly, and is seen to be straight, » he includes.
« If it loses that then individuals don’t wish to wager, that is not in gambling firms’ interests, and it is not in our interests. »
He stated that as soon as a good track record was lost, the damage to a sport was « incalculable ».
FA guidelines suggest gamers are not permitted to bet on a competitors in which they are involved.
Mr Johnson states gamers have to be seen not to be cashing in on any inside understanding, which he says might cause « brand damage » to football and its competitors.
So, even a 2nd Division player knocked out of the FA Cup in the fall can not bank on a Manchester United v Chelsea cup last the following spring.
« We need to get over to gamers the reputational danger to the video game, » he says. « Once confidence has actually been damaged it is tough to get it back – mud sticks. »
‘Overwhelmingly legal’
If this represents the « carrot » approach, then maybe Nick Tofiluk, director of policy at the Gambling Commission, represents the « stick ».
The Gambling Commission was established under the Gambling Act 2005 to regulate commercial gambling in Great Britain.
An ex-chief constable of West Midlands cops, Mr Tofiluk has responsibility for policing all betting in the UK apart from spread wagering, which is the remit of the FSA.
« The overwhelming majority of sports betting wagering happening through UK operators is legal and reasonable, » he states.
« But for some there is the temptation to … corruptly interfere with the outcome of a sporting event.
« Such unfaithful has the possible to undermine the stability of a sport, and it also hurts the commercial interests of sports betting bodies and sports betting wagering. »
The commission has developed an in-house Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to get and share information to sporting authorities, sports betting firms and policing authorities.
« Since 2007 we have experienced a significant insight into world of corrupt sports betting, » he states.
« We will signal sports betting of our concerns, to assist prevent or reduce [illegal] activity »
In May 2010, the commission likewise introduced a personal telephone hotline for those with details or suspicions.
‘Vulnerabilities’
But in a two-and-a-half year duration there has been simply one prosecution, a 24-year-old man who was warned for cheating in relation to greyhound racing.
However, Mr Tofiluk states there are still eight ongoing examinations, which 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 consider terminating a criminal investigation « in favour of letting sports betting bodies take the lead ».
Meanwhile, he states many of those seeking to cheat the sports betting wagering market were experienced about sports betting and sporting people, and about wagering operations and the movement of cash.
« They look for 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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