Betting on sport is big business.

Sport England approximates the worth of spending on sport-related gaming 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 estimated ₤ 1bn bet on the World Cup alone in the UK this summertime.

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

But when the integrity of events are hit the gaming market suffers, and earnings are put under threat if customers 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 speak about the sports betting market now.

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

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

Three of these players have stated they will also challenge the corruption charges mounted versus the trio by the sport governing body the International Cricket Council.

Meanwhile, three-times snooker world champion John Higgins was cleared of match-fixing claims, however was banned last week for six months for failing to report the unlawful technique to him to throw frames.

There are likewise 2 other continuing examinations - not associated to Mr Higgins - into snooker.

'Honest'

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

"If the sport is viewed as truthful, straight and reasonable that is excellent for betting companies since individuals will invest cash wagering with confidence," he states.

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

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

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

His organisation represents males 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 inadequate to simply have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary treatments, however that the way to take on possible concerns around gamers is also through education.

Mr Taylor states rules need to be explained plainly to gamers with clear examples, and by people they respect.

"Through educating gamers about sports betting you strengthen integrity and that is in everybody's interest," he adds.

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

'Brand damage'

Matt Johnson, head of regulatory legal guidance at the Football Association, concurs.

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

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

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

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

FA rules imply gamers are not enabled to bank on a competition in which they are included.

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

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

"We have to overcome to players the reputational risk to the video game," he states. "Once self-confidence has been damaged it is tough 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 set up under the Gambling Act 2005 to manage business betting in Great Britain.

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

"The frustrating bulk of sports betting wagering occurring through UK operators is legal and fair," he states.

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

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

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

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

"We will inform sports of our concerns, to help prevent or cut [unlawful] 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 criminal prosecution, a 24-year-old man who was cautioned for unfaithful in relation to greyhound racing.

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

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

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

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