The target for full implementation of the Gambling Act 2005 is 1 September 2007 and, according to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, it and the new Gambling Commission, local authorities, problem gambling charities and the industry are working to ensure that they get the implementation right. Richard Caborn, Minister for Sport, at the Integrity in Sports Betting Conference held in Twickenham yesterday announced a ten point plan to combat sports betting cheats. The conference was hosted by the Rugby Football Union and sponsored by the Tote and Betfair.

At the conference all the major sports signed up to a Code of Practice designed to forge co-operation between authorities, the industry and sport. The sporting organisations signing up were: The Football Association, Rugby Football League, Rugby Football Union, England and Wales Cricket Board, Horserace Regulatory Authority, National Greyhound Racing Club, Motor Sports Association, World Snooker, Darts Regulatory Authority and the British Darts Organisation.

Richard Caborn, said: "Sports betting has changed dramatically in recent years. Advances in technology and increasing popularity mean there are now more ways to place a bet than ever before. Internet and phone accounts now enable people to place a bet at any time from any place, even after sporting events have started.

"But we can't let a few unscrupulous cheats drag the good name of sport through the mud. That's why I'm pleased that from football to snooker sport now recognises the importance of working with betting operators and the authorities to crack down on betting cheats. This Code of Practice commits governing bodies to creating clear rules governing their participants and better sharing of information. This is essential to stop cheats prospering."

The Conference was chaired by Paul Scotney, Chairman of the Horserace Regulatory Authority, who has been instrumental in helping the Government draw up the code. He commented, "We live in a climate where there's been a cultural shift, with betting having become an acceptable leisure pastime with betting turnover on sports at an all-time high. However people will only bet on these sporting events if they can be confident in the integrity of the outcome.

"Where there's money to be won there will always be people willing to cheat in order to win it, and obviously this issue has been one the horseracing industry has been dealing with virtually since it began. As the regulator of horseracing we've made great strides in our fight against corrupt betting related practices, particularly over the last two years, and I'm looking forward to sharing this expertise and experience with the other sports regulators."

Sports governing bodies signed up to the Code of Practice, which was drawn up by the DCMS in partnership with the Jockey Club and the Football Association, will have to: