By Staff Writer: Jacob Mattox
Sports gambling has become increasingly popular in the world of sports, so much so that many would consider it a part of sports culture. Though its legalization across many states in the U.S. has brought new money-making opportunities for sports fans, it has also brought a wave of problems that professional sports leagues have to handle. The rise of mobile betting platforms has made wagering much more accessible, and this rise has brought fans and even athletes closer to gambling.
The number of gambling-related investigations involving players and team personnel is growing fast, which is forcing leagues to create and enforce strict policies regarding the issue. Even minor infractions can damage confidence in the integrity of high-level competition, and high-profile cases have already raised scrutiny about how leagues are monitoring gambling behavior.
Fan behavior also raises more concerns. Since fans are able to place bets on each player’s individual performance, the players have received increased hostility on social media from fans that choose to place their bets on them when they aren’t performing the way that they need them to. The tension that this hostility brings raises concerns about athletes’ safety as well as their mental health.
As the sports gambling industry grows, professional sports leagues must protect the integrity of the games. While these organizations feel the cultural influence of sports betting, they must find ways to balance the maintenance of integrity while also accepting the cultural influence that it brings.