Betting on sport is big business.

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

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

Meanwhile, German research company Sport & Markt approximates the overall international betting market will deserve 263bn euros (₤ 220bn) by 2012, with much of that driven by internet and sports betting gambling.

But when the stability of events are struck the gaming market suffers, and revenues are put under danger if consumers can not wager with self-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 business, it is one that is now on the front pages of newspapers."

Four Pakistan cricketers have actually been questioned by cops over spot-fixing accusations relating to a test versus England at Lord's last month.

Three of these players have stated they will likewise 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, but was banned last week for six months for failing to report the illegal approach to him to toss frames.

There are also two other continuing examinations - not related to Mr Higgins - into snooker.

'Honest'

David O'Reilly is legal counsel for Betfair, among the UK's biggest online sporting exchanges.

"If the sport is viewed as truthful, straight and reasonable that benefits betting companies because individuals will spend cash wagering with confidence," he says.

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

"That is since the perception is that 'cricket is now something we might need to take care about'."

'Education'

So what can be done to prevent future scandals?

According to experts 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 guys 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 not sufficient to simply have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary treatments, but that the way to deal with possible problems around gamers is likewise through education.

Mr Taylor states rules need to be discussed plainly to gamers with clear examples, and by individuals they appreciate.

"Through informing gamers about sports betting you strengthen stability and that is in everybody'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, concurs.

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

"It is essential that sport is straight, and is seen to be straight," he includes.

"If it loses that then individuals don't want to wager, that is not in gaming firms' interests, and it is not in our interests."

He stated that once an excellent reputation was lost, the damage to a sport was "incalculable".

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

Mr Johnson says players need to be seen not to be capitalizing any inside knowledge, 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 wager on a Manchester United v Chelsea cup final the following spring.

"We need to overcome to gamers the reputational risk to the video game," he states. "Once self-confidence has actually been harmed it is tough to get it back - mud sticks."

'Overwhelmingly legal'

If this represents the "carrot" technique, then maybe Nick Tofiluk, director of regulation at the Gambling Commission, represents the "stick".

The Gambling Commission was established under the Gambling Act 2005 to regulate industrial gambling in Great Britain.

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

"The frustrating majority of sports wagering happening through UK operators is legal and fair," he states.

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

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

The commission has actually established an in-house Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to receive and share details to sporting authorities, betting companies and policing authorities.

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

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

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

'Vulnerabilities'

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

However, Mr Tofiluk says there are still eight ongoing examinations, which much helpful details has likewise been passed to sports betting authorities.

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

Meanwhile, he states numerous of those wanting to cheat the sports wagering market were well-informed about sports and sporting individuals, and about wagering operations and the motion of money.

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