Betting on sport is substantial service.

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

And that 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.

Meanwhile, German research study firm Sport & Markt estimates the general global gambling 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 events are hit the betting market suffers, and incomes are put under danger if customers can not wager with self-confidence.

And there can have been few higher-profile sport betting 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 considerable market in world service, it is one that is now on the front pages of newspapers."

Four Pakistan cricketers have actually been questioned by authorities over spot-fixing claims connecting to a test against England at Lord's last month.

Three of these gamers have said they will likewise challenge the corruption charges installed against the trio by the sport governing body the International Cricket Council.

Meanwhile, three-times snooker world champ John Higgins was cleared of match-fixing claims, however was prohibited last week for 6 months for failing to report the illegal approach to him to toss frames.

There are likewise 2 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 viewed as sincere, straight and fair that benefits betting companies because individuals will invest cash betting with confidence," he states.

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

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

'Education'

So what can be done to avoid future scandals?

According to specialists at a World Sports Law Report conference into sports betting, the focus has to be on sportspersons and sportswomen.

As Simon Taylor of the Professional Players' Federation explains: "The only people 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 gamer organisations, such as the Professional Footballers' Association.

He believes that it is insufficient to simply have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary procedures, however that the method to tackle possible issues around players is likewise through education.

Mr Taylor says rules need to be explained plainly to gamers with clear examples, and by individuals they respect.

"Through informing players about sports betting you strengthen stability and that is in everyone's interest," he adds.

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

'Brand damage'

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

"Prevention is better than treatment, and we also make a point of telling players 'you are going to be caught'."

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

"If it loses that then individuals don't desire to wager, that is not in gambling companies' interests, and it is not in our interests."

He said that when a good credibility 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 involved.

Mr Johnson states gamers need to be seen not to be capitalizing any inside understanding, which he states might trigger "brand name 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 final the following spring.

"We have to get over to players the reputational danger to the video game," he says. "Once confidence has actually been harmed it is difficult to get it back - mud sticks."

'Overwhelmingly legal'

If this represents the "carrot" method, then perhaps Nick Tofiluk, director of guideline at the Gambling Commission, represents the "stick".

The Gambling Commission was established 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 betting in the UK apart from spread betting, which is the remit of the FSA.

"The overwhelming majority of sports betting occurring through UK operators is legal and fair," he states.

"But for some there is the temptation to ... corruptly interfere with the outcome of a sporting occasion.

"Such cheating has the possible to weaken the stability of a sport, and it likewise harms the commercial interests of sports betting bodies and sports wagering."

The commission has actually established an internal Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to receive and share info to sporting authorities, betting firms and policing authorities.

"Since 2007 we have actually experienced a significant insight into world of corrupt sports betting," he says.

"We will signal sports of our concerns, to help avoid or cut [unlawful] activity"

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

'Vulnerabilities'

But in a two-and-a-half year period there has been just one prosecution, a 24-year-old guy who was warned for cheating in relation to greyhound racing.

However, Mr Tofiluk says there are still 8 ongoing examinations, and that much beneficial info has likewise been passed to sports betting authorities.

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

Meanwhile, he says a number of those wanting to cheat the sports betting industry were experienced about sports betting and sporting people, and about wagering operations and the movement of money.

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