Betting Odds Sports: Unregulated Gambling Leaves National Football League Unprotected
The National Football League funds one of the richest and most powerful lobbys in Washington, D.C., and uses its immense influence to push legislators to forbid gambling whenever possible, be it online gambling or sports betting. But two recent incidents illustrate the NFL is acting against its own interests, as unregulated gambling leaves its players vulnerable to potentially corrupting influences.
Two former Denver Broncos were found to be regular participants at a high-stakes illegal poker operation in Denver, according to the Denver Post. Play at the club's games involved pots often well into thousands of dollars, and credit was given to certain patrons, leading to at least two suicides of card players who got in over their heads.
Another high-rolling poker set-up was busted by police in Charlotte, North Carolina. An unidentified ex-NFL player was present at the time of the raid, and others are thought to be regulars at the private home, says WCNC-News. A $10,000 pot was left on the table when the police burst in, and membership was $1000 a month.
NFL leaders have long said legalized gambling could result in corrupted games, as gamblers try to manipulate results. But NFL players are still gambling, in situations that could lead to undue influences blackmailing them.
Only legalized, strictly regulated gambling could provide the NFL with the protection it desires, say sports gambling experts. Licensed gambling operations could work with the league to detect betting irregularities, and notify the NFL when players are in jeopardy of putting themselves in compromising positions.
It's ironic, said sports analyst Edmund Crumley, that the NFL has resisted regulating online gambling and legal sports wagering. "Perhaps the best way to insure the games remain unaffected by gambling influences would be to keep all gambling transparent and well-regulated."
Betting Odds Sports: Unregulated Gambling Leaves National Football League Unprotected
Monday, March 9, 2009
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