Betting on sport is substantial company.

Sport England estimates the worth of costs 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 even more, with an approximated ₤ 1bn bet on the World Cup alone in the UK this summer.

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

But when the integrity of events are hit the gaming industry suffers, and profits are put under threat if customers can not wager with 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 company, it is one that is now on the front pages of papers."

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

Three of these gamers have actually said 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 allegations, but was prohibited last week for 6 months for failing to report the unlawful approach to him to throw frames.

There are also two other continuing investigations - 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 reasonable that benefits wagering companies since individuals will invest cash betting with confidence," he states.

"If you take the Pakistan claims, although unassociated to the UK managed betting industry ... it is not truly a positive story for wagering in the UK.

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

'Education'

So what can be done to prevent future scandals?

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

As Simon Taylor of the Professional Players' Federation mentions: "The only people who can fix a match are the competitors or the referee."

His organisation represents men and women in 15 sports in the UK, being an umbrella organisation for all player organisations, such as the Professional Footballers' Association.

He thinks that it is insufficient to merely have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary treatments, however that the way to tackle potential concerns around players is also through education.

Mr Taylor states guidelines need to be discussed clearly to players with clear examples, and by individuals they respect.

"Through informing gamers about sports betting wagering you enhance integrity and that is in everyone's interest," he includes.

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

'Brand damage'

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

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

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

"If it loses that then people do not desire to wager, that is not in gaming companies' interests, and it is not in our interests."

He stated that once a good credibility was lost, the damage to a sport was "enormous".

FA guidelines suggest players are not permitted to bet on a competition in which they are included.

Mr Johnson states players need to be seen not to be cashing in on any inside understanding, which he states could trigger "brand name damage" to football and its competitions.

So, even a Second Division gamer knocked out of the FA Cup in the fall can not wager on a Manchester United v Chelsea cup last the following spring.

"We have to get over to gamers the reputational danger to the video 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 possibly Nick Tofiluk, director of policy at the Gambling Commission, represents the "stick".

The Gambling Commission was set up under the Gambling Act 2005 to manage commercial gambling in Great Britain.

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

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

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

"Such unfaithful has the possible to weaken the stability of a sport, and it also hurts the industrial interests of sports bodies and sports wagering."

The commission has actually developed an in-house Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to get and distribute information to sporting authorities, betting companies and policing authorities.

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

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

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

'Vulnerabilities'

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

However, Mr Tofiluk states there are still 8 ongoing examinations, which much beneficial information has likewise been passed to sports authorities.

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

Meanwhile, he states a number of those wanting to cheat the sports betting market were educated about sports and sporting people, and about betting operations and the motion of money.

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