Betting and speculating on cricket increased once this sport was cleaned up.

The Times:

The ICC [International Cricket Council]’s most recent annual report cited a “phenomenal” increase in the level of betting on cricket in both the legal and illegal markets over the previous 12 months. In the legal market this is attributable in part to the interest generated by the Ashes series and the growing popularity of internet betting exchanges [READ IT: "BetFair"]. But, said the report, “this growth is also testament to the confidence punters show in a highly popular sport that has regained its credibility after the corruption scandals earlier this decade”.

BetFair = the canary in the coal mine.

(((Or: “BetFair = the trout in the stream”. Trouts need clear waters.)))

Addendum: Gambling and cricket

Since the murder of Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer, there has been much speculation, still unsubstantiated, that the motive for his killing was to prevent him disclosing match-fixing in cricket. So how does match-fixing work? And is illegal betting usually on the actual outcome of matches?
‘Spot betting’
Inside information
Syndicates