It was reported today that Betfair has signed an agreement called a Memorandum of Understanding with World Snooker. This agreement states that Betfair will share information on unusual wagering activity in the billiards and snooker industry. World Snooker is the commercial side of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association.

In 2005, World Snooker signed a similar agreement with the Association of British Bookmakers. World Snooker moved have the agreement signed with Betfair after news last week that the United Kingdom Gambling Commission is investigating betting patterns on the Malta Cup match where former world champion Peter Ebdon lost the match 5-0 against Liang Wenbo, the underdog. Ebdon was ranked ninth in the world in snooker.

Managing Director of Corporate Affairs for Betfair, Mark Davies stated: “Betfair works closely with sporting regulators worldwide to help them maintain the integrity of their sports and ensure that competitors abide by the rules they have in place. Davies stated that the agreement is key for them to provide information when necessary.

Sir Rodney Walker, the Chairman for World Snooker, stated: “Entering into such agreements and establishing relationships within the betting industry is an important and necessary step for World Snooker to take these links facilitates our gathering of information to assist in any enquiries. I am pleased to have been able to negotiate this additional agreement with Betfair, which will reinforce snooker’s continued commitment to preserve the integrity and transparency of our sport.”


- 2008-09-30