In the six years since the Supreme Court struck down a law limiting wagering on games to Nevada, sports leagues of all sizes have fully embraced gambling. Professional leagues have accepted millions of dollars from casinos and sports books, with former no-go areas like Las Vegas now open for business. Even the National Football League hosted the Super Bowl in Las Vegas recently.
However, the leagues maintain their commitment to protecting the integrity of their games when dealing with gambling companies. They still penalize players or coaches who bet on their sport, fearing it could lead to potential game-fixing. The risk of corruption may actually come from individuals close to the players and coaches, as seen in the recent case involving Shohei Ohtani and his interpreter, who was accused of stealing money from Ohtani to place bets.
Major League Baseball is currently investigating the situation, while experts warn that gambling by people connected to players using inside information poses a significant threat to the integrity of sports. With legal sports wagering on the rise, tracking suspicious activity has become increasingly challenging.
The NFL has seen an increase in player gambling violations, with some employees also facing penalties for violating gambling policies. The league emphasizes the importance of educating personnel to uphold high standards and prevent any potential corruption. While professional athletes are well-compensated, inside information can still find its way to gamblers.
Instances of misuse of inside information have occurred in various sports, prompting concerns about the boundaries between athletes and those with close access to them. The surge in national gambling activity is likely to raise more questions about potential scandals and attempts to influence game outcomes.
The landscape of sports and gambling continues to evolve, with ongoing challenges in maintaining integrity and preventing corruption in the industry.
Rebecca R. Ruiz contributed reporting.
