Gambling World Shows Signs of Maturity

Russian tennis professional Nokolay Davydenko, seeded fourth in the world, has advanced to the final eight at the US Open with a win over Lee Hyung-taik. This in itself is not news, at least not in the tennis world. The 26 year old has reached the semi-finals in last year's grand slam tournament and is among the top favorites to reach the final stages this year as well. His presence at the tournament has other effects, however.

Davydenko's name was tied to allegations, only recently, of match-fixing. Earlier in August, he withdrew from a match in the second round in Sopot, Poland, claiming he suffered from a foot injury. His opponent then, Argentina's Martin Vassallo Arguello, won the second round match 2-6, 6-3, 2-1.

That game, on top of the controversial ending, saw seven million dollars in wagers placed on the Argentine underdog even as Davydenko won the first match. Internet betting sites refused to pay out on the loss and a probe was instigated.

Now stories are being told of match fixing across the ATP tour, which has raised new awareness and brought the tennis governing bodies to act on the matter. ATP chief Etienne de Villiers has announced every rumor would be investigated and players who fail to report suspicions will be penalized.

In addition, a committee will be established of medical specialists who will examine players who pull out due to injuries. It will begin work in 2009. Suspensions will be handed out to those who are not verifiably injured.

On the bright side, the ATP has met a cooperative online gambling and sports betting partner in its fight against match fixing. Ten online gambling operators have reached an agreement to cooperate with the tennis body in tracing and reporting suspicious betting patterns.

Though it is not the center of attention at the currently ongoing US Open - not as long as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are scheduled to meet at the Arthur Ash Stadium next Sunday - but does cast a shadow on the entire sport.

Fifth seed, American Andy Roddick said that as a tennis player and fan, you do not want this to be the storyline. Roddick also congratulated the tennis bosses for "putting forth the effort to investigate it, take care of it and try to make sure it's an isolated incident." He added that he is quite sure it is indeed an isolated incident.

While the ATP proves it has no tolerance of such scandalous betting and match-fixing, it is reassuring to find the online gambling join in on this policy and even lend a hand. It is a sign of maturity to have the now coming of age industry know what's best and pursue it too, namely a clean, fair and harmless gambling product.