In 1992, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) banned betting on all sports events, except for in four states where betting was legal at the time. These states were Nevada (Las Vegas is a huge sports betting hub), Oregon, Delaware and Montana. It is reasonable to see why this act would be passed. Many people believe that the outcome of sporting events are changed when gambling is brought into the picture. There are different incentives created for athletes to win games by a certain spread or to make a game closer than it otherwise would have been. However, recent comments by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver suggest that betting laws on sports may soon be repealed. Silver has made comments regarding policies in London, where sports bets can be placed on a smartphone or at a kiosk in the stadium. He believes that U.S. sports can benefit from this expanded gambling and that the PASPA is outdated.
I tend to agree with Adam Silver on the topic of sports betting. The fact of the matter is that there is somewhat of a black market, much like for illegal drugs, for gambling on sports. If someone wants to place a bet, there are illegal online bookies readily available. The NBA, as well as all other professional sports leagues, have an opportunity to expand revenues by legalizing and regulating sports gambling themselves. Additionally, gambling provides an opportunity for increased popularity of second tier sports such as hockey and soccer. Additional viewers of these sports due to gambling incentives can only be good for the popularity these sports. Overall I support expanding sports betting and believe it would be a great move for all major sports.
I tend to agree with Adam Silver on the topic of sports betting. The fact of the matter is that there is somewhat of a black market, much like for illegal drugs, for gambling on sports. If someone wants to place a bet, there are illegal online bookies readily available. The NBA, as well as all other professional sports leagues, have an opportunity to expand revenues by legalizing and regulating sports gambling themselves. Additionally, gambling provides an opportunity for increased popularity of second tier sports such as hockey and soccer. Additional viewers of these sports due to gambling incentives can only be good for the popularity these sports. Overall I support expanding sports betting and believe it would be a great move for all major sports.
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