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Thursday, 20 April 2006 |
Code of practice to stop sports betting cheats
Football, rugby union, cricket and horse racing have all agreed to adopt a mutual code of practice designed to prevent betting cheats.
The Government's 10-point scheme is intended to increase co-operation between governing bodies and the gambling industry and sports minister Richard Caborn welcomed the proposal.
"I'm pleased sport recognises the importance of working with authorities to crack down on cheats," Richard Caborn said.
Wednesday's announcement is in line with the Government's Gambling Act, which comes into force in September 2007.
The new Act has tightened up on the definitions of what constitutes cheating and has the power to hand out jail sentences of up to two years to anyone caught.
Football's world governing body, Fifa, has already put in place strict anti-betting rules for players taking part in this summer's World Cup Finals and all squad members from the 32 competing nations must sign a statement declaring that neither they, nor their family, would bet on the tournament.
The new scheme aims to reach across all British sport, however, with rugby league, motor sport, greyhound racing, snooker and darts also agreeing to the code of practice.
Richard Caborn said: "Sports betting has changed dramatically in recent years. Advances in technology and increasing popularity mean there are now more ways to place a bet than ever before. "
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Last Updated ( Monday, 24 April 2006 )
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