Search results
1 – 10 of over 2000Minhyeok Tak, Michael P. Sam and Steven J. Jackson
Sport match-fixing has emerged as a complex global problem. The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, it critically reviews how match-fixing is typified as a policy problem…
Abstract
Purpose
Sport match-fixing has emerged as a complex global problem. The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, it critically reviews how match-fixing is typified as a policy problem. Second, it advances an analysis of the legal framework and regulatory system for sports betting as a causal source for “routinized” match-fixing.
Design/methodology/approach
This study extracts and synthesises (cross-national) materials from policies, media releases and scholarly works on the subject of match-fixing and sports betting. The analysis is framed by the contrasts between rational choice and sociological institutionalist approaches.
Findings
Match-fixing is typically attributed to: criminal organisations and illegal sports betting; vulnerable individuals; and failure of governance on the part of sports organisations. Each cause holds assumptions of utility-maximising actors and it is argued that due consideration be given to the fundamental risks inherent in legal sports betting regimes.
Research limitations/implications
Match-fixing in sport is a recurrent social problem, transcending national boundaries and involving a wide range of actors and, sporting disciplines and levels of competition. Within such an environment, it may matter little how strong the incentive structures and education programmes are, when betting on human beings is both normatively and cognitively advanced as a value and institutionally permitted as a practice.
Originality/value
This paper argues that legal betting regimes paradoxically contribute to routinised match-fixing because: for betting customers there is no qualitative, ethical difference between legal and illegal operators; and legalisation serves to normalise and legitimate the view of athletes as objects for betting (like cards or dice).
Details
Keywords
The global financial crisis of 2007-2008 prompted a significant debate on corporate governance and shareholder empowerment. A question arises as to whether shareholders ought to…
Abstract
Purpose
The global financial crisis of 2007-2008 prompted a significant debate on corporate governance and shareholder empowerment. A question arises as to whether shareholders ought to be further empowered to have a greater influence over the companies’ activities. Yet, it is not self-evident that shareholder empowerment ensures better-run companies’ corporate activities. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to critically examine, identify and explain the corporate regulation forms and control collectively to evaluate the effectiveness of shareholder empowerment fully.
Design/methodology/approach
To do so, this paper sets out a comparative analysis approach between two jurisdictions, the UK and Delaware in the USA. The paper further addresses by undertaking three case studies; Barclays Plc which illustrated the Comply or Explain role, AVIVA (2012) that concentrated on the impact of the shareholder revolt, and the case of Hills Stores Co. v. Bozic (2000), which involved a claim brought by shareholders on the grounds of a breach of fiduciary duty.
Findings
This paper argues that the shareholder empowerment theoretically provides an effective means through which corporate activities can be regulated. However, to do this, account must be taken that a distinction should be made between long-term and short-term investors to encourage shareholder engagement by responsible long-term investors. Furthermore, the shareholders can exercise their powers effectively and influence the Board’s decision to award executive compensation.
Originality/value
This paper offered two distinct contributions: assessing whether in times of crisis shareholder empowerment represents a way to regulate corporate activities and by assessing the distinction between the perception of shareholder empowerment and the reality in practice.
Details
Keywords
Ayman Abdalmajeed Alsmadi, Ahmed Shuhaiber and Khaled Saleh Al-Omoush
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the determinants of users' intention to continue to invest in cryptocurrencies. The paper also aims to examine the impact of hedonic…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the determinants of users' intention to continue to invest in cryptocurrencies. The paper also aims to examine the impact of hedonic motivation and the legal environment on perceived value in cryptocurrencies.
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire was designed to obtain data from 258 respondents in UAE. The Structural Equation Modeling – Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) was used to evaluate the research model and test the hypotheses.
Findings
The results of smart PLS path analysis showed that perceived value, hedonic motivation, gambling attitude, and price volatility were significant determinants of the continued intention to invest in cryptocurrency. This study also revealed that hedonic motivation enhances perceived value and improves the perception of cryptocurrencies value from user's perspective.
Originality/value
This study provides new insights into the literature on cryptocurrencies adoption, and delivers advanced understanding about the determinants of user's intention to continue investing in cryptocurrencies. In addition, the study provides important practical implications for cryptocurrencies companies to promote this financial technology to users by enhancing the knowledge of policy makers about how investors think and get motivated towards a continued investment of cryptocurrencies.
Details
Keywords
Brendan Dwyer, Ted Hayduk and Joris Drayer
The purpose of the study was to explore differences in demographic, self-concept and fan behavior factors that predict sports fans who bet and those who do not in legal and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the study was to explore differences in demographic, self-concept and fan behavior factors that predict sports fans who bet and those who do not in legal and illegal gambling jurisdictions in the United States (US).
Design/methodology/approach
Seven hundred and eighty-nine sports fans and bettors from 47 states were surveyed through a partnership with a major media provider in the US. A number of demographic items, theoretically defined factors and fan behaviors were measured, and several two-way MANOVAs with interaction effects were conducted to determine differences between those who gamble and those who do not in legal and illegal jurisdictions.
Findings
Statistically significant differences between those who bet and those who do not were found. Bettors look different and come from different backgrounds and locations. Psychographically, they were clearly more narcissistic. They also indicated a higher social identity and self-worth, yet perceived themselves as less worthy members of important social institutions. In general, sports bettors out consumed non-bettors as it relates sports spectatorship. In terms of differences between the groups across legal and illegal states, only a few factors were impacted. Self-worth and personal identity were factors that were found to be different between groups and jurisdictions as well as DFS participation.
Originality/value
The US sports gambling market is expected to grow US$6.5 billion in the next five years, yet very little is known, psychographically, about the US sports bettor. Sports gambling research, especially from a marketing perspective, has primarily been limited to Australia and the United Kingdom. This paper contributes to what we know about sports gambling and the emerging US market. In particular, the results uncovered fundamental trait, demographic and behavioral differences between US sports fans and sports bettors. The findings also provide similar foundational differences and similarities between those who bet in states with legal and illegal gambling.
Details
Keywords
Md. Zahurul Haq, Zainal Amin Ayub, Zuryati Mohamed Yusoff and Md Abdul Awal Khan
This paper aims to critically explore the factors influencing the regulation of gambling and cryptocurrencies as part of anti-money laundering (AML) initiatives in Bangladesh. As…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to critically explore the factors influencing the regulation of gambling and cryptocurrencies as part of anti-money laundering (AML) initiatives in Bangladesh. As a member of the Asia/Pacific Group on money laundering, Bangladesh must adopt a risk-based approach to regulate these entities.
Design/methodology/approach
This study applied an exploratory design and investigated the real nature of the challenge Bangladesh facing in adopting a risk-based approach to regulate gambling and cryptocurrencies.
Findings
This study demonstrates that current regulatory responses towards gambling and cryptocurrencies in Bangladesh are largely influenced by passive wait-and-see policy instead of a proactive risk-based approach, a measure mandated by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). It demonstrates that these financial entities, which are poorly regulated because of their unclear legal status in Bangladesh and the regulator’s apparent lack of understanding of the type of threats they pose, may facilitate money laundering. Effective risk-based regulation is required to control potential risks.
Research limitations/implications
This paper focuses on two specific areas –gambling and cryptocurrencies – which are linked to two specific FATF Recommendations: designated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBPs) and new technologies. Further research is required to investigate the concern from the perspective of other entities.
Practical implications
The results of this study will help inform policymakers about ways in which current regulatory approaches may need to be modified to better combat money laundering and financing of terrorism.
Originality/value
According to the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study aiming to explore challenges Bangladesh confronts in implementing a risk-based approach for DNFBPs and new technologies. Therefore, it provides important insights into the dilemma regulators facing in implementing global AML standards within their traditional legislative and regulatory framework.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to review Macao's gaming regulation from 2001, when competition was introduced into the gaming market, to the present and discuss the potential…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to review Macao's gaming regulation from 2001, when competition was introduced into the gaming market, to the present and discuss the potential methods to improve the regulatory system in the future.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper adopts the qualitative approach, investigating and studying the contents, changes and enforcement of the gaming legislations.
Findings
The gaming regulation in Macao has made great progress in the past two decades. Before 2001, the gaming market was monopolized, and the gaming regulation was merely a concession system. Law No. 16/2001, together with the other laws and regulations promulgated later, established a regulatory framework containing rules of suitability check, casino entry, competition, internal control, gaming promotion, credit gaming and antimoney laundering. The implementation of the rules has also drawn attention of the international community.
Originality/value
This paper reviews the gaming regulation in Macao in all its major aspects for the first time and argues that a framework of gaming regulation has been established in Macao although it needs to be improved.
Details
Keywords
Brett Abarbanel, Shane Kraus, Qing (Tiffany) Huang, Heather Gray, Eric Louderback, Debi LaPlante and Bo Bernhard
This study investigates how employees perceive responsible gambling (RG) programs, which are part of a corporate social responsibility (CSR) framework for minimizing negative…
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigates how employees perceive responsible gambling (RG) programs, which are part of a corporate social responsibility (CSR) framework for minimizing negative impacts associated with problematic gambling. Casino employees have different levels of interaction with gamblers, which could affect employees' opinions about RG.
Design/methodology/approach
Surveys at two time periods – baseline (N = 2,192) and one-year follow-up (N = 852) to a new RG program – asked employees at MGM Resorts International (MGM) about their (1) perceptions of program effectiveness, (2) gambling behaviors and beliefs and (3) perceived level of employer support. Two one-way MANCOVAs, with years employed in the gambling industry as the covariate, extended results from a prior study. An additional two-way MANCOVA examined contact-level and year-over-year differences.
Findings
Employees who have high contact with gamblers, such as those in security or casino dealer positions, viewed RG programs as less effective than employees who have low contact with gamblers, such as those in culinary or corporate positions.
Practical implications
Employees are vital to harm reduction CSR strategies and MGM should work toward a program with varied RG training content and delivery, depending on the likelihood of employee interaction with active gamblers.
Originality/value
RG programs are key CSR initiatives for hospitality organizations with gambling licenses. Employees play an interactive role in delivering these programs, so their perceptions and understanding help assess program value. This is the first study to examine employee perceptions of a newly-implemented RG program with baseline and follow-up data.
Details
Keywords
Harry Bowles and Darragh McGee
This chapter examines the shifting significance of data ownership and athlete rights as they pertain to the growth and expansion of the global sports gambling industry. It…
Abstract
This chapter examines the shifting significance of data ownership and athlete rights as they pertain to the growth and expansion of the global sports gambling industry. It provides a nuanced overview of the ‘datafication’ of society, tracing how the omnipresent embrace of digital technologies has expediated new forms of organisational, political and corporate surveillance from which concerns over privacy, rights to ownership and the misuse of personal data arise. The chapter moves on to discuss how the extraction and trade of data has revolutionised how elite sport is performed, manufactured, broadcast and consumed, shedding critical light on the role of the gambling industry in the exchange of human data as a market commodity. These insights inform a series of socio-legal and ethical questions about the relationships between athlete data and the sports gambling industry for the purpose of signposting emerging issues and opportunities for critical sociological research and intervention.
Details
Keywords
Anara S. Berdaliyeva, Alexandr I. Kim, Aliya M. Seraliyeva, Aivazkhan A. Gassanov and Makhambet V. Dunentayev
Despite all the anti-corruption measures and anti-corruption initiatives, people offer or accept bribes without any hesitation. As anywhere in the world, the negative consequences…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite all the anti-corruption measures and anti-corruption initiatives, people offer or accept bribes without any hesitation. As anywhere in the world, the negative consequences of corruption lead to a reduction in direct investment, increase inequality and poverty, distort and use public investment and reduce public revenues. The purpose of this article is to study the criminological measures to counteract corruption offences in the field of illegal gambling.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodological basis of the study is the provisions of the theory of knowledge: the laws of dialectical materialism, philosophical categories and scientific principles of cognition of social and legal reality.
Findings
Although many components of foreign state anti-corruption programmes are quite problematic to apply in modern realities in the Republic of Kazakhstan, according to legal scholars, through gradual implementation into the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan because of the systematic improvement by the state of the content of regulations and responsible implementation of anti-corruption strategies. In this regard, one of the conditions in the fight against corruption is actions aimed at using the best practices of countries that are similar to each other in terms of religion, habits, traditions, ethics and morality.
Originality/value
Anti-corruption initiatives using information and communication technologies, such as digital public services and e-government, crowdsourcing platforms, tools for exposing, transparency portals, blockchain and artificial intelligence technologies can provide significant assistance in combating manifestations of corruption in the field of illegal gambling on the internet in the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to examine how responsible gambling policies are communicated and presented as a legitimation strategy to different stakeholders.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine how responsible gambling policies are communicated and presented as a legitimation strategy to different stakeholders.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is based primarily on 49 semi-structured interviews with internal and external stakeholders of Macao’s gambling industry in 2011. This study draws on Reast et al.’s (2012) legitimacy-seeking strategy framework.
Findings
The findings indicate that these organisations use construing and earning legitimacy strategies to ensure passive support and acquiescence from certain stakeholder groups, and they deploy bargaining and capturing legitimacy strategies to generate active support for this morally contested industry. As a means of attaining long-standing legitimacy in the industry, gambling operators engage symbolically rather than substantively in responsible gambling to minimise the legitimacy gap.
Research limitations/implications
The findings of the study pertain to a unique setting and might not be suitable for generalisation.
Practical implications
In the absence of stringent legal mechanisms and strong external stakeholder pressure, the 12th Five-Year Plan of the People’s Republic of China aims to transform Macao into a “World Centre of Tourism and Leisure”, and gambling companies may soon face much stronger pressures from the Chinese Government and the Macao Government.
Social/implications
Voluntary responsible gambling initiatives are liable to be used only in symbolic fashion, without offering genuine engagement or full commitment to the most vulnerable stakeholder group.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the literature on social and accounting literature by providing an in-depth case study of how organisations in the gambling industry use different communication strategies to shape and respond to controversial issues.
Details