French Open Moves To Shut Down Internet Betting on Tourney
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Organizers Looking To Shut Down
Internet Betting On French Open |
French Open organizers "have moved to shut down internet-betting markets on their tournament by launching a case against three leading operators," filing suits in two separate courts against Betfair, Ladbrokes and Bwin Interactive Entertainment, according to Matt Scott of the Manchester GUARDIAN. The French Tennis Federation (FTF) is "seeking an injunction against betting" on the event with a US$74,248 daily penalty for infringements. FTF Dir General Jean-Francois Vilotte said, "There is urgency to act because sporting ethic is at risk: it is an issue as important as the fight against doping." Betfair Dir of Communications Mark Davies said, "Targeting EU-licensed companies, which are highly regulated, to leave punters betting only with unlicensed operators across the web, would completely miss the point." Ladbrokes spokesperson David Williams added, "We strongly believe that the biggest threat to the integrity of sport, tennis included, is unlicensed, unregulated betting" (Manchester GUARDIAN, 2/2). All England Club CEO Ian Ritchie said that the club "would monitor the case but that the sport was pressing ahead with the formation of an Integrity Unit and the need for 'a common set of regulations that are properly enforceable'" (LONDON TIMES, 2/2).
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