Betting on sport is huge organization.

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

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

Meanwhile, German research company Sport & Markt estimates the general global betting market will deserve 263bn euros (₤ 220bn) by 2012, with much of that driven by web and sports gambling.

But when the integrity of events are hit the betting industry suffers, and earnings are put under risk if consumers can not bet with self-confidence.

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

High-profile

As Sport & Markt's Gareth Moore observes: "Everyone discuss the sports betting market now.

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

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

Three of these players have actually stated they will likewise 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 claims, however was prohibited last week for six months for stopping working to report the unlawful approach to him to throw frames.

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

'Honest'

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

"If the sport is viewed as truthful, straight and fair that is good for wagering companies because individuals will spend cash betting with confidence," he states.

"If you take the Pakistan claims, although unrelated to the UK regulated betting industry ... it is not actually a positive story for betting in the UK.

"That is due to the fact that the understanding is that 'cricket is now something we might have to be mindful about'."

'Education'

So what can be done to prevent future scandals?

According to specialists at a World Sports Law Report conference into sports gambling, the focus needs 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 men 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 not adequate to merely have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary procedures, but that the method to deal with prospective concerns around players is also through education.

Mr Taylor says rules require to be described clearly to players with clear examples, and by people they appreciate.

"Through educating gamers about sports wagering you strengthen stability and that remains in everyone'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 suggestions at the Football Association, concurs.

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

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

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

He stated that as soon as an excellent credibility was lost, the damage to a sport was "incalculable".

FA guidelines indicate gamers are not allowed to wager on a competitors in which they are involved.

Mr Johnson says gamers have to be seen not to be capitalizing any inside understanding, which he says might trigger "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 need to get over to gamers the reputational risk to the game," he says. "Once self-confidence has actually 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 regulation at the Gambling Commission, represents the "stick".

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

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

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

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

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

The commission has established an internal Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to receive and distribute information to sporting authorities, betting companies and policing authorities.

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

"We will signal sports of our issues, to help avoid or curtail [illegal] activity"

In May 2010, the commission likewise presented 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 cautioned for unfaithful in relation to greyhound racing.

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

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

Meanwhile, he states many of those wanting to cheat the sports betting market were knowledgeable about sports and sporting individuals, and about betting operations and the motion of cash.

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