Betting on sport is big 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 most likely to have actually grown further, with an estimated ₤ 1bn bet on the World Cup alone in the UK this summer season.

Meanwhile, German research study company Sport & Markt estimates the total worldwide gaming market will deserve 263bn euros (₤ 220bn) by 2012, with much of that driven by internet and sports betting.

But when the integrity of events are struck the gaming market suffers, and incomes are put under risk if consumers can not bet with self-confidence.

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

High-profile

As Sport & Markt's Gareth Moore observes: "Everyone talks about the sports betting 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 connecting to a test against England at Lord's last month.

Three of these players have said they will likewise challenge the corruption charges mounted against the trio by the sport governing body the International Cricket Council.

Meanwhile, three-times snooker world champ John Higgins was cleared of match-fixing accusations, but was banned last week for six months for stopping working to report the illegal technique to him to toss frames.

There are likewise two other continuing examinations - unrelated 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 perceived as truthful, straight and reasonable that is good for betting firms because individuals will invest cash wagering with self-confidence," he states.

"If you take the Pakistan accusations, although unassociated to the UK regulated betting market ... it is not actually a favorable story for betting 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 avoid future scandals?

According to specialists at a World Sports Law Report conference into sports betting gambling, the focus has 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 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 not sufficient to simply have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary procedures, however that the method to deal with potential problems around players is likewise through education.

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

"Through informing players about sports betting you strengthen stability which remains in everybody's interest," he includes.

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

'Brand damage'

Matt Johnson, head of regulative legal suggestions 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 caught'."

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

"If it loses that then people do not wish to bet, that is not in gambling firms' interests, and it is not in our interests."

He said that once a great track record was lost, the damage to a sport was "incalculable".

FA guidelines indicate gamers are not allowed to bank on a competitors in which they are included.

Mr Johnson says players have actually to be seen not to be cashing in on any inside understanding, which he states might cause "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 bank on a Manchester United v Chelsea cup last the following spring.

"We need to get over to players the reputational threat to the game," he says. "Once self-confidence has been damaged it is tough to get it back - mud sticks."

'Overwhelmingly legal'

If this represents the "carrot" technique, then maybe Nick Tofiluk, director of policy at the Gambling Commission, represents the "stick".

The Gambling Commission was established under the Gambling Act 2005 to manage commercial betting in Great Britain.

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

"The overwhelming bulk of sports betting taking location 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 event.

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

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

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

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

In May 2010, the commission also presented a private telephone hotline for those with info or suspicions.

'Vulnerabilities'

But in a two-and-a-half year duration there has been simply one prosecution, a 24-year-old male who was warned for cheating in relation to greyhound racing.

However, Mr Tofiluk states there are still eight ongoing investigations, and that much useful details has actually also been passed to sports authorities.

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

Meanwhile, he says much of those wanting to cheat the sports wagering industry were knowledgeable about sports and sporting people, and about betting operations and the motion of money.

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