Betting, Gaming and Match Fixing
Gambling Act 2005 provisions
ICC Regulations apply to betting on international matches in which Players and Team Officials may have an interest. This subject is covered in detail in the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Team Officials. It is an offence contrary to ICC Regulations to bet on any international match in which the Player or the Team has an interest - that is to say, in general, any match in which the Team is involved. All Players must also be aware that under s 42 of the Gambling Act 2005 which came into effect on 1 September 2007, it is now a criminal offence to assist anyone to cheat in relation to any gambling, including betting, and it is irrelevant if any payment is received. Specifically, the Player undertakes that he will compete in any match to the best of his ability and will not directly or indirectly bet on any match or series of matches in which he takes part, not be party to contriving the result of such a match, and not to provide any information concerning the weather, the teams, the state of the ground, the status of or the outcome of any such match (generally referred to as ‘inside information'), to any party who is not an official of the ECB. Should a Player be approached at any time, whether on or off duty, by any person whom he suspects of involvement in betting, gaming and/or match fixing, he must report the fact immediately to the England Team Director who, in turn, must refer the matter to the Director of England Cricket Operations or Chief Executive.
Criminal and Other Acts
Any criminal or other acts committed by a Player outside his employment with ECB, but which have an impact on or are relevant to his employment may result in ECB taking disciplinary action against him and may lead to his immediate dismissal. Such incidents will be investigated fully before any decision is taken.
Serious Misconduct
Serious misconduct will normally be dealt with by dismissal without notice or payment in lieu of notice. The following provides examples of offences which will be regarded as serious misconduct. The list is not exhaustive.
- theft, dishonesty, fraud, deliberate falsification of records
- threat of or actual fighting or assault on another person
- wilful breach of safety/security regulations or policies
- deliberate damage to or misuse of company property
- being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs at work
- serious negligence
- serious act of insubordination
- abusive behaviour
- racial, sexual, disability or religious discrimination, harassment or abuse
- deliberate misuse of confidential information
In the case of all these discipline matters, if a Player has any queriesas to whether the Regulations apply or as to what they mean, it is important that he asks. The claim of ‘ignorance' is no defence and is unlikely to be viewed with sympathy. The ECB and the PCA are always available for assistance on these matters.
PPF Code on Sport Betting
Click here to read the Professional Players' Federation's Code on Sport Betting
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