Betting and Gaming

Betting, Gaming and Match Fixing

It is vitally important that we work together to protect the integrity of our sport, so please remember the messages we give at the pre-season briefings. We must not bet on cricket, and we must not collude with bookies or gamblers in any way.

Three Levels of Regulation:

1)     Gambling Act 2005 provisions

All Players must also be aware that under the Gambling Act, it is now a criminal offence to assist anyone to cheat in relation to any gambling, including betting, on sport and it is irrelevant if any payment is received.

2)     ICC Regulations

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.

3)     ECB Regulations

The KEY provision of the ECB Directive on Betting and Gaming is that A PLAYER MAY NOT BET ON ANY GAME OF CRICKET.

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, not be party to contriving the result of such a match, and not to provide forecasts unless those are easily accessible to the public without too much effort or expense - in other words, are not exclusive to any individual or group (eg bookmakers!).

NB: Be on your guard with people who ask for lots of information before a match - don't give anyone any kind of information which isn't generally and freely available to everyone.

POSITIVE DUTY TO REPORT:

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 a senior team official, the ECB or directly to the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit on their confidential helpline (+971 4 3417225).

If you have any concerns at any time about the duty to report or any aspect of the relevant regulations, please call us, Ian Smith 07798 698201 or Jason Ratcliffe 07768 558050.

We know you may have some questions, so we would urge you to watch this video.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make an anonymous report?

Yes you can. The PCA, ECB and ACU are fully committed to protecting your anonymity, but you will appreciate that the more people that know about something, the more risk there is that the information will get out. If you have been approached we strongly recommend that, if you wish to retain your anonymity, you make every effort to limit the number of people you tell about the matter to an absolute minimum (including friends, family or teammates) and think very carefully about the implications of going public and confiding in any media. Again, if you need advice in this area, talk to us.

If I am approached, should I refuse to talk or should I try and get useful information, such as a phone number?

Do not put yourself at any risk. Obviously, the more information you can provide to ACU investigators, the better and obtaining a phone number is usually a "natural" part of any "transaction", but you should not be tempted to be an amateur detective - do not put yourself in danger or arouse suspicions. Usually it will be sufficient to obtain and remember as much detail as possible (make notes as soon as you can about appearance, names, contact details) and say to the person that you will think over what they have proposed and then report the matter at the earliest opportunity.

Should I string the person along in the hope of getting incriminating evidence?

No. Talk to the ACU and, if you have kept your anonymity and you take the view that any risk is manageable, then they may be able to work with you in taking any investigation forward.

Other aspects to be aware of:

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 queries as 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.