SOURCE: www.telegraph.co.uk

The Gambling Commission have rejected calls from sport to ban bookmakers from taking novelty bets despite fears that they are more vulnerable to corruption.

After weeks of talks, the commission announced yesterday that there was insufficient evidence to stop betting companies taking controversial wagers such as the number of wides bowled in cricket matches or the recipient of the first yellow or red card in football games.

The regulators did add, however, that they would review their stance if new evidence emerged.

Sports minister Gerry Sutcliffe stepped in to urge bookmakers and the commission to carry out a thorough re-assessment of the risks.

"I welcome the Gambling Commission's call for greater co-operation between the betting industry and sports bodies to uphold the good name of sport in this country," he said.

"Players and fans alike have a right to enjoy sport without it being tarnished by cheating."

"Tough new rules in the Gambling Act means decisive action can be taken against those who cheat, including the voiding of suspect bets and a potential fine or jail sentence for those who are caught. Nevertheless, preventative action must be taken to protect sport. That is why I urge the betting industry to work together with the sports bodies on planned research to identify the integrity risks associated with different sports so that the betting cheats can be tackled head-on."

Sports bodies are already carrying out a review of the threat, but the Gambling Commission's director of intelligence, Andrew Rennison, said: "At the moment we don't believe the evidence is there to stop betting companies from taking these bets. A lot has changed since we took over the regulation of the betting on Sept 1 and we feel at this stage it is a step too far."

"However, don't forget that we do already have the powers to ensure that betting companies share information with sports bodies should they have any suspicions."

Despite the setback, the commission's announcement was broadly welcomed by sports who have been calling for the betting industry to work more closely with them on protecting the integrity of sport, an issue highlighted in recent months by match-fixing allegations in tennis.