Betting on sport is big business.

Sport England estimates the value 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 grown even more, with an estimated ₤ 1bn bet on the World Cup alone in the UK this summer.

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

But when the integrity of events are struck the gaming market suffers, and earnings are put under threat if customers 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 gambling market now.

"Not only is it a considerable market in world organization, it is one that is now on the front pages of newspapers."

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

Three of these gamers have actually 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 claims, however was prohibited recently for 6 months for failing to report the illegal technique to him to toss frames.

There are likewise 2 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 sincere, straight and fair that benefits betting companies because individuals will spend cash betting with self-confidence," he states.

"If you take the Pakistan allegations, although unassociated to the UK regulated wagering industry ... it is not really a favorable story for betting in the UK.

"That is since the perception is that 'cricket is now something we might have 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 gambling, the focus needs to be on sportsmen and sportswomen.

As Simon Taylor of the Professional Players' Federation mentions: "The only individuals who can repair a match are the rivals or the referee."

His organisation represents guys and women 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 sufficient to merely have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary treatments, but that the method to deal with prospective problems around players is also through education.

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

"Through educating gamers about sports wagering you reinforce stability and that is in everybody'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, concurs.

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

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

"If it loses that then individuals don't wish to bet, that is not in gaming companies' interests, and it is not in our interests."

He stated that when a good reputation was lost, the damage to a sport was "incalculable".

FA guidelines mean gamers are not allowed to bet on a competition in which they are included.

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

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 gamers the reputational danger to the game," he states. "Once confidence has been harmed it is difficult to get it back - mud sticks."

'Overwhelmingly legal'

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

The Gambling Commission was established under the Gambling Act 2005 to regulate business gambling 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 wagering, which is the remit of the FSA.

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

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

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

The commission has established an in-house Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to receive and disseminate info to sporting authorities, wagering companies and policing authorities.

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

"We will signal sports of our concerns, to assist avoid or reduce [prohibited] activity"

In May 2010, the commission also presented a personal 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 male who was warned for cheating in relation to greyhound racing.

However, Mr Tofiluk says there are still eight continuous examinations, which much beneficial details has actually likewise been passed to sports authorities.

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

Meanwhile, he states much of those wanting to cheat the sports wagering market were educated about sports and sporting people, and about betting operations and the movement of cash.

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