Betting on sport is big organization.

Sport England approximates the value of spending 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 further, with an estimated ₤ 1bn bet on the World Cup alone in the UK this summer season.

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

But when the integrity of events are struck the gambling market suffers, and earnings are put under threat if clients can not bet with self-confidence.

And there can have been couple of higher-profile sport betting stories than those impacting 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 police over spot-fixing accusations relating to a test versus England at Lord's last month.

Three of these players have actually said they will also challenge the corruption charges installed 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, however was prohibited last week for 6 months for failing to report the unlawful technique to him to toss frames.

There are likewise 2 other continuing investigations - not related 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 sincere, straight and reasonable that benefits wagering firms since individuals will spend money wagering with confidence," he says.

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

"That is due to the fact that the perception is that 'cricket is now something we might have to be cautious 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 gambling, the focus needs to be on sportspersons and sportswomen.

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

His organisation represents guys and ladies 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 not adequate to simply have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary procedures, but that the method to tackle possible problems around players is also through education.

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

"Through educating players about sports betting wagering you reinforce stability which is in everybody'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 recommendations at the Football Association, agrees.

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

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

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

He said that once an excellent reputation was lost, the damage to a sport was "incalculable".

FA guidelines imply gamers are not allowed to bank on a competitors in which they are involved.

Mr Johnson says gamers need to be seen not to be cashing in on any inside knowledge, which he says could cause "brand name damage" to football and its competitions.

So, even a 2nd Division player 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 says. "Once self-confidence has actually been harmed it is tough to get it back - mud sticks."

'Overwhelmingly legal'

If this represents the "carrot" technique, then maybe 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 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 betting, which is the remit of the FSA.

"The overwhelming majority of sports betting wagering taking location through UK operators is legal and reasonable," he says.

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

"Such cheating has the prospective to weaken the stability of a sport, and it also harms the commercial interests of sports betting bodies and sports betting."

The commission has actually established an internal Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to get and share info to sporting authorities, betting companies and policing authorities.

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

"We will signal sports of our concerns, to help prevent or cut [prohibited] activity"

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

'Vulnerabilities'

But in a two-and-a-half year period there has actually been just one criminal prosecution, a 24-year-old man who was warned for unfaithful in relation to greyhound racing.

However, Mr Tofiluk says there are still 8 ongoing examinations, and that much helpful information has also been passed to sports betting authorities.

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

Meanwhile, he states many of those wanting to cheat the sports betting market were well-informed about sports and sporting people, and about betting operations and the movement of cash.

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