Betting on sport is huge company.

Sport England approximates the value of costs on sport-related gambling in England grew from ₤ 1.7 bn in 1985 to ₤ 2.8 bn in 2008.

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

Meanwhile, German research company Sport & Markt approximates the general international betting 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 gambling industry suffers, and incomes are put under risk if customers can not bet with self-confidence.

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

High-profile

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

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

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

Three of these gamers have 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 champion John Higgins was cleared of match-fixing claims, however was banned recently for 6 months for failing to report the prohibited approach to him to toss frames.

There are likewise two other continuing examinations - not associated 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 perceived as honest, straight and fair that is excellent for wagering firms because people will invest money betting with self-confidence," he says.

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

"That is due to the fact that the understanding is that 'cricket is now something we may have to beware about'."

'Education'

So what can be done to prevent future scandals?

According to experts at a World sports betting Law Report conference into sports betting, the focus has 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 rivals or the referee."

His organisation represents males 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 sufficient to merely have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary treatments, however that the method to deal with possible problems around players is also through education.

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

"Through educating players about sports betting you strengthen integrity which 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 much better than treatment, and we likewise make a point of informing gamers 'you are going to be captured'."

"It is imperative that sport is directly, 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 said that when a great track record 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 involved.

Mr Johnson states players have actually to be seen not to be capitalizing any inside knowledge, which he says might trigger "brand name damage" to football and its competitions.

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

"We have to overcome to players the reputational risk to the video game," he states. "Once confidence has actually been harmed it is difficult to get it back - mud sticks."

'Overwhelmingly legal'

If this represents the "carrot" method, 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 commercial gaming 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 wagering happening through UK operators is legal and fair," he says.

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

"Such cheating has the potential 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 in-house Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to get and distribute info to sporting authorities, wagering companies and policing authorities.

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

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

In May 2010, the commission also 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 says there are still 8 ongoing examinations, and that much useful details has actually likewise been passed to sports authorities.

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

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

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