Sport Betting Industry Aims To Protect Itself
Sport sports betting industry looks to safeguard itself
16 September 2010
By Bill Wilson
Business press reporter, BBC News
sports betting on sport is big service.
Sport England approximates the worth of spending 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 estimated ₤ 1bn bet on the World Cup alone in the UK this summer season.
Meanwhile, German research Sport & Markt estimates the overall global gaming market will deserve 263bn euros (₤ 220bn) by 2012, with much of that driven by web and sports betting gambling.
But when the integrity of events are hit the sports betting market suffers, and profits are put under danger if customers 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 talks about the sports betting gambling market now.
“Not only is it a significant market in world company, 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 relating to a test against England at Lord’s last month.
Three of these gamers have said they will likewise 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, however was banned last week for 6 months for failing to report the prohibited method to him to toss frames.
There are likewise two other continuing investigations – 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 sincere, straight and fair that is good for wagering companies because individuals will spend cash wagering with confidence,” he says.
“If you take the Pakistan allegations, although unrelated to the UK managed wagering industry … it is not truly a favorable story for wagering in the UK.
“That is because the perception is that ‘cricket is now something we might have to take care 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 gambling, 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 player organisations, such as the Professional Footballers’ Association.
He thinks that it is inadequate to merely have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary treatments, however that the way to deal with prospective concerns around players is likewise through education.
Mr Taylor says rules need to be discussed plainly to gamers with clear examples, and by people they appreciate.
“Through educating players about sports betting you strengthen integrity and that is in everyone’s interest,” he includes.
“If players are more difficult to corrupt then sport will be more difficult to corrupt.”
‘Brand damage’
Matt Johnson, head of regulatory legal recommendations at the Football Association, agrees.
“Prevention is better than cure, and we also make a point of telling gamers ‘you are going to be caught’.”
“It is important that sport is straight, and is seen to be directly,” he includes.
“If it loses that then individuals don’t want to bet, that is not in gaming firms’ interests, and it is not in our interests.”
He said that when an excellent reputation was lost, the damage to a sport was “enormous”.
FA rules suggest gamers are not enabled to wager on a competitors in which they are involved.
Mr Johnson says gamers 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 competitions.
So, even a 2nd Division player knocked out of the FA Cup in the autumn can not bet on a Manchester United v Chelsea cup last the following spring.
“We need to overcome to gamers the reputational threat to the game,” he states. “Once self-confidence has been damaged it is difficult to get it back – mud sticks.”
‘Overwhelmingly legal’
If this represents the “carrot” method, then possibly Nick Tofiluk, director of policy at the Gambling Commission, represents the “stick”.
The Gambling Commission was set up under the Gambling Act 2005 to control industrial sports betting 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 sports betting, which is the remit of the FSA.
“The overwhelming bulk of sports betting occurring through UK operators is legal and reasonable,” 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 undermine the integrity of a sport, and it likewise damages the business interests of sports betting bodies and sports betting wagering.”
The commission has actually developed an internal Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to receive and distribute details to sporting authorities, betting companies and policing authorities.
“Since 2007 we have experienced a substantial insight into world of corrupt sports betting,” he says.
“We will signal sports betting of our concerns, to help avoid or cut [illegal] activity”
In May 2010, the commission likewise introduced a private telephone hotline for those with information or suspicions.
‘Vulnerabilities’
But in a two-and-a-half year period there has been simply one criminal prosecution, a 24-year-old guy who was warned for cheating in relation to greyhound racing.
However, Mr Tofiluk states there are still 8 continuous examinations, which much helpful details 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 efficient, then the commission would consider discontinuing a criminal investigation “in favour of letting sports betting governing bodies take the lead”.
Meanwhile, he says much of those seeking to cheat the sports betting market were well-informed about sports betting and sporting individuals, and about sports betting operations and the motion of money.
“They look for the vulnerabilities of these to help in their business.”
Related internet 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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