Betting on sport is huge company.

Sport England estimates the value of spending 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 grown further, with an estimated ₤ 1bn bet on the World Cup alone in the UK this summertime.

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

But when the integrity of events are hit the gaming industry suffers, and incomes are put under risk if customers can not wager with self-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 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 police over spot-fixing allegations connecting to a test against England at Lord's last month.

Three of these gamers have said they will likewise 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 claims, however was prohibited last week for 6 months for failing to report the prohibited method to him to throw frames.

There are likewise two other continuing investigations - unrelated to Mr Higgins - into snooker.

'Honest'

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

"If the sport is viewed as sincere, straight and reasonable that is great for betting companies since people will invest money betting with self-confidence," he states.

"If you take the Pakistan allegations, although unassociated to the UK managed betting industry ... it is not actually a favorable story for wagering in the UK.

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

'Education'

So what can be done to avoid future scandals?

According to experts at a World Sports Law Report conference into sports gambling, the focus needs to be on sportsmen and sportswomen.

As Simon Taylor of the Professional Players' Federation points out: "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 gamer organisations, such as the Professional Footballers' Association.

He believes that it is inadequate to simply have deterrents, sanctions and disciplinary treatments, however that the method to take on prospective concerns around players is likewise through education.

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

"Through educating players about sports wagering you enhance stability and that remains in everybody's interest," he adds.

"If gamers are harder 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 treatment, and we also make a point of informing players 'you are going to be captured'."

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

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

He said that when a great reputation was lost, the damage to a sport was "enormous".

FA rules indicate gamers are not allowed to wager on a competition in which they are included.

Mr Johnson states gamers have actually to be seen not to be cashing in on any inside knowledge, 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 autumn can not bank on a Manchester United v Chelsea cup last the following spring.

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

'Overwhelmingly legal'

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

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

An ex-chief constable of West Midlands cops, Mr Tofiluk has duty 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 reasonable," he says.

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

"Such unfaithful has the potential to undermine the stability of a sport, and it also hurts the industrial interests of sports bodies and sports betting."

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

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

"We will signal sports of our concerns, to assist avoid or reduce [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 period there has been simply one prosecution, a 24-year-old man who was cautioned for unfaithful in relation to greyhound racing.

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

He said that where an examination by a sport governing body was quicker, and more cost 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 betting industry were well-informed about sports and sporting individuals, and about wagering operations and the motion of money.

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