Tennis Steps Up Efforts To Curb Online Gambling and Match Fixing- 06-24-08

June 24 - The ATP has had to deal with numerous questionable matches and largely blames online tennis gambling. They have moved to establish an agency that will be tasked with investigating corruption and enforce strict controls to curb match fixing.

The announcement made on the opening day at Wimbledon Championships said that there will be crack down on illegal betting and thrown matches will be exposed. Players found to be involved will face life bans and will be fined for $50,000 or even more.

The plan is in place to create a post for a new commissioner. Under the new rules, players will be forced to reveal any suspicious activity within forty eight hours or they themselves could face consequences.

Players, trainers, coaches, and all family members will be barred from any form of tennis wagering.

The agency will also implement more strict security controls in changing rooms and the access to players before, during and after matches will be strictly monitored and controlled. All match information including medical details will be carefully scrutinized.

It is expected that all major tennis bodies including The International Tennis Federation, the Women's Tennis Association and the Grand Slam Committee will support the rules.

It is to be commended that online bookmakers were the ones that discovered irregular betting patterns on tennis matches and alerted authorities, proving the industry's ability to self-regulate. All relevant data was handed over to Tennis authorities.

Two ex-Scotland Yard detectives conducted an investigation.

A number of tennis professionals revealed that they had heard of players being approached to throw matches and that this happened regularly. More than 45 matches in the last few years have been identified as suspicious and are being investigated.

Tennis should be applauded for taking such steps, and the larger online gambling community will in all likelihood support any investigations and assist where possible.

Tennis is a popular betting market, and all attempts need to be made to protect its integrity.

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