Betting on sport is huge business.

Sport England approximates the value of spending on sport-related gambling in England grew from ₤ 1.7 bn in 1985 to ₤ 2.8 bn in 2008.

Which figure is likely to have actually grown further, with an approximated ₤ 1bn bet on the World Cup alone in the UK this summertime.

Meanwhile, German research study firm Sport & Markt estimates the overall worldwide betting market will be worth 263bn euros (₤ 220bn) by 2012, with much of that driven by web and sports betting gaming.

But when the integrity of occasions are struck the gambling industry suffers, and profits are put under risk if clients can not wager with self-confidence.

And there can have been couple of higher-profile sport betting stories than those affecting cricket and snooker this year.

High-profile

As Sport & Markt's Gareth Moore observes: "Everyone talks about the sports gambling market now.

"Not only is it a substantial market in world company, it is one that is now on the front pages of papers."

Four Pakistan cricketers have been questioned by authorities over spot-fixing allegations associating with a test against England at Lord's last month.

Three of these gamers have stated they will also challenge the corruption charges installed 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 prohibited last week for six months for failing to report the prohibited technique to him to toss frames.

There are likewise two other continuing investigations - not related 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 honest, straight and reasonable that is excellent for betting companies since people will invest cash wagering with self-confidence," he says.

"If you take the Pakistan claims, although unrelated to the UK managed wagering market ... it is not actually a positive story for wagering in the UK.

"That is since the perception is that 'cricket is now something we may have to beware about'."

'Education'

So what can be done to avoid future scandals?

According to professionals at a World sports betting Law Report conference into sports betting gambling, the focus needs to be on sportspersons and sportswomen.
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As Simon Taylor of the Professional Players' Federation points out: "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 player organisations, such as the Professional Footballers' Association.

He believes that it is not sufficient to merely have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary procedures, but that the way to take on prospective concerns around gamers is likewise through education.

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

"Through educating players about sports wagering you enhance integrity and that remains in everyone's interest," he includes.

"If gamers are more difficult to corrupt then sport will be more difficult to corrupt."

'Brand damage'

Matt Johnson, head of regulative legal advice at the Football Association, concurs.

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

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

"If it loses that then individuals do not wish to wager, that is not in gaming firms' interests, and it is not in our interests."
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He said that once a good track record was lost, the damage to a sport was "incalculable".

FA guidelines imply gamers are not allowed to bank on a competition in which they are included.

Mr Johnson says gamers have actually to be seen not to be cashing in on any inside knowledge, which he states could cause "brand name 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 players the reputational risk to the video game," he says. "Once self-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 guideline at the Gambling Commission, represents the "stick".

The Gambling Commission was set up under the Gambling Act 2005 to manage commercial betting in Great Britain.

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

"The overwhelming majority of sports wagering taking location through UK operators is legal and reasonable," he states.

"But for some there is the temptation to ... corruptly hinder the outcome of a sporting event.

"Such unfaithful has the potential to weaken the integrity of a sport, and it also harms the business interests of sports betting bodies and sports wagering."

The commission has developed an internal Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to receive and share details to sporting authorities, betting companies and policing authorities.

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

"We will alert sports betting of our concerns, to assist prevent or curtail [unlawful] activity"

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

'Vulnerabilities'

But in a two-and-a-half year duration there has actually been simply one prosecution, a 24-year-old guy who was cautioned for unfaithful in relation to greyhound racing.

However, Mr Tofiluk states there are still eight continuous examinations, which much beneficial information has actually likewise been passed to sports authorities.
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He stated that where an examination by a sport governing body was quicker, and more expense reliable, then the commission would consider discontinuing a criminal investigation "in favour of letting sports governing bodies take the lead".

Meanwhile, he says many of those seeking to cheat the sports betting wagering market were knowledgeable about sports betting and sporting people, and about betting operations and the movement of cash.

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