Betting on sport is big organization.

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

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

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

But when the stability of events are struck the gambling market suffers, and revenues are put under threat if consumers can not bet with confidence.

And there can have been few higher-profile sport betting stories than those impacting cricket and snooker this year.

High-profile

As Sport & Markt's Gareth Moore observes: "Everyone talks about the sports betting 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 actually been questioned by cops over spot-fixing claims associating with a test versus England at Lord's last month.

Three of these gamers have actually stated they will also challenge the corruption charges mounted 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, but was prohibited recently for 6 months for stopping working to report the unlawful technique to him to toss frames.

There are also 2 other continuing investigations - unrelated to Mr Higgins - into snooker.

'Honest'

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

"If the sport is viewed as honest, straight and fair that benefits betting firms due to the fact that people will spend cash betting with self-confidence," he states.

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

"That is because 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 specialists 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 points out: "The only people who can repair a match are the competitors or the referee."

His organisation represents males and females in 15 sports in the UK, being an umbrella organisation for all gamer organisations, such as the Professional Footballers' Association.

He believes that it is not adequate to simply have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary procedures, however that the method to deal with prospective problems around gamers is also through education.

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

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

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

'Brand damage'

Matt Johnson, head of regulatory legal advice at the Football Association, agrees.

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

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

"If it loses that then people do not wish to wager, that is not in gambling firms' interests, and it is not in our interests."

He stated that when a great track record was lost, the damage to a sport was "incalculable".

FA guidelines indicate gamers are not allowed to bet on a competitors in which they are included.

Mr Johnson states gamers have to be seen not to be capitalizing any inside understanding, which he says could cause "brand damage" to football and its competitors.

So, even a 2nd Division gamer knocked out of the FA Cup in the autumn can not bank on a Manchester United v Chelsea cup last the following spring.

"We need to overcome to players the reputational danger to the video game," he states. "Once 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 regulation at the Gambling Commission, represents the "stick".

The Gambling Commission was established under the Gambling Act 2005 to control business betting in Great Britain.

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

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

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

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

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

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

"We will notify sports of our concerns, to help prevent or cut [illegal] activity"

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

'Vulnerabilities'

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

However, Mr Tofiluk states there are still eight ongoing investigations, which much helpful details has actually also been passed to sports betting authorities.

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

Meanwhile, he states numerous of those aiming to cheat the sports wagering industry were well-informed about sports and sporting individuals, and about wagering operations and the movement of money.

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