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Sport wagering market wants to protect itself
16 September 2010
By Bill Wilson
Business reporter, BBC News
sports betting on sport is huge service.
Sport England estimates the value of spending on sport-related sports betting in England grew from ₤ 1.7 bn in 1985 to ₤ 2.8 bn in 2008.
And that figure is likely to have grown further, with an approximated ₤ 1bn bet on the World Cup alone in the UK this summertime.
Meanwhile, German research study company Sport & Markt approximates the general global gambling market will be worth 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 industry suffers, and earnings are put under threat if clients can not wager 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 discuss the sports betting gambling market now.
"Not only is it a significant market in world organization, it is one that is now on the front pages of newspapers."
Four Pakistan cricketers have been questioned by police over spot-fixing claims associating with a test versus England at Lord's last month.
Three of these players have said 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 last week for six months for failing to report the unlawful technique to him to throw 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 greatest online sporting exchanges.
"If the sport is perceived as truthful, straight and reasonable that benefits sports betting companies because people will invest cash sports betting with confidence," he states.
"If you take the Pakistan allegations, although unrelated to the UK managed sports betting industry ... it is not really a positive story for betting in the UK.
"That is because the perception is that 'cricket is now something we might 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 mentions: "The only people who can repair a match are the competitors or the referee."
His organisation represents men and women in 15 sports betting in the UK, being an umbrella organisation for all player organisations, such as the Professional Footballers' Association.
He believes that it is inadequate to simply have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary treatments, however that the way to tackle possible concerns around gamers is also through education.
Mr Taylor states rules require to be described plainly to gamers with clear examples, and by individuals they respect.
"Through educating players about sports betting you enhance integrity and that remains in everybody's interest," he adds.
"If players are more difficult to corrupt then sport will be harder to corrupt."
'Brand damage'
Matt Johnson, head of regulative legal advice at the Football Association, concurs.
"Prevention is much better than treatment, and we likewise make a point of informing players 'you are going to be captured'."
"It is important that sport is directly, and is seen to be straight," he includes.
"If it loses that then people don't wish to wager, that is not in sports betting firms' interests, and it is not in our interests."
He stated that once a great reputation was lost, the damage to a sport was "incalculable".
FA rules imply gamers are not permitted to bank on a competition in which they are involved.
Mr Johnson says gamers have to be seen not to be cashing in on any inside understanding, which he states could cause "brand damage" to football and its competitions.
So, even a 2nd Division player knocked out of the FA Cup in the autumn can not wager on a Manchester United v Chelsea cup final the following spring.
"We have to overcome to players the reputational threat to the video game," he says. "Once self-confidence has been damaged it is hard 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 regulate commercial gaming in Great Britain.
An ex-chief constable of West Midlands authorities, Mr Tofiluk has obligation for policing all sports betting 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 fair," he says.
"But for some there is the temptation to ... corruptly hinder the outcome of a sporting occasion.
"Such cheating has the possible to weaken the stability of a sport, and it also harms the commercial interests of sports betting bodies and sports betting wagering."
The commission has developed an internal Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to get and share details to sporting authorities, wagering companies and policing authorities.
"Since 2007 we have experienced a significant insight into world of corrupt sports betting wagering," he states.
"We will alert sports betting of our issues, to assist prevent or cut [unlawful] activity"
In May 2010, the commission also 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 guy who was warned for cheating in relation to greyhound racing.
However, Mr Tofiluk states there are still 8 ongoing investigations, which much helpful information has likewise been passed to sports betting authorities.
He stated that where an examination by a sport governing body was quicker, and more cost reliable, then the commission would consider discontinuing a criminal investigation "in favour of letting sports betting governing bodies take the lead".
Meanwhile, he states much of those aiming to cheat the sports betting wagering industry were experienced about sports betting and sporting people, and about wagering operations and the motion of cash.
"They look for the vulnerabilities of these to help 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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