All the
information from this article was gathered from the article below.
The last article
that I wrote talked about how gambling can be dangerous when it can involve not
only taking away the fairness of the game, but also putting the players
physical well-being at stake. This extreme case makes a compelling case against
gambling when it takes this form; however, others think that gambling can be
good for the sport. Author David Purdum of ESPN.com thinks that gabling can be
a positive additive to the sports experience when corruption is taken out of
the equation.
Former FIFA employee Chris Eaton commented in the article that Europe, specifically Eastern Europe, has “driven soccer into the danger zone.” They have done so by showing the world how corruption and greed can ruin a sport, driving people to not want to be involved with soccer. However, it is estimated that global sports betting is “four times larger than the global sports economy.” Obviously, there is a lot of interest from corporations to get involved in sports betting and to make it legal. Unfortunately for Europe, the U.S. is much better at betting and avoiding corruption. A study found by a Las Vegas consulting firm found that “ only .01 percent of games across 12 U.S. sports leagues from 1990 to 2000 were corrupt.” So the path for legalization will most likely take place in the U.S..
The U.S. is already very successful with legal betting as Daily fantasy sports is a booming market and Las Vegas’ legal book-keeping makes up a material part of the market successfully. David Burdum believes that for the U.S. to succeed more and for them to make betting legal, the government and bookkeepers have to agree to a fair tax model where everyone benefits. This however, is really the only real suggestion he makes.
So it seems that David’s article
almost completely ignores violence that is potentially a threat to players due
to sports gambling. Additionally, he does not seem to offer a solution to it. Even if sports betting does become legal in
the U.S., is successful and then is adopted in Europe, would it stop potential violent
threats put on players to perform a certain way match fixing?
-Scott
Augenstein
Unfortunately, match fixing has gone from just a way to make money, to a way to actually do well in the league. Look at Juventus in their match fixing scandal. This had nothing to do with winning money, but instead had to do about getting results and winning the league. So in a roundabout way, no, I do not think making betting legal would stop potential violent threats on players to perform a certain way.
ReplyDeleteI am a little confused. I do think I mis-typed my question. I was not talking about just violent threats as they could be harsh verbal, but actually threatening players with physical abuse if they do not perform a certain way (players, referees, coaches). But I think that also you bring up an example that suggests that gambling is not all about money, but winning the league itself. While they do get the trophy, I think it is important to note that they do get more money the longer they last in competition or if they win the league so I do still believe it is about money for everyone involved in gambling. I just would hope that the system the author suggested works and can stop these threats of violence.
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