Do Today's Fans Blame Athletes More for Betting Misfires? - Sports Illustrated

Introduction

• Three years after the Supreme Court decision to legalize sports betting in all 50 states, betting landscape has changed drastically
  • Half the USA allows legalized sports betting
  • Revenue from sports betting is increasing
  • Sports leagues are profiting through partnerships

Impact on Athletes

• Athletes face harassment due to fans losing money on bets
  • Example: Packers' Marquez Valdes-Scantling received hate mail after a performance deemed insufficient by fantasy football participants
  • Athletes are commoditized, reducing them to stat lines for fans' betting pursuits
  • Social media abuse is prevalent
• Valdes-Scantling's observations:
  • Fantasy sports and gambling can lead to dehumanization
  • Financial stakes increase fan hostility

Legalized Betting and Its Implications

• Ted Leonsis comments on financial benefits for leagues and players
• Mark Griffiths notes potential increase in problem gambling
  • High-frequency events like in-play betting are linked to gambling issues

Consequences of Problem Gambling

• Michele Roberts of NBPA notes unruly fan behavior may be linked to gambling
  • Example incidents: Players faced physical attacks and racial insults from fans
• No direct evidence ties incidents to gambling, but concerns persist

International Comparisons

• Studies in Australia and Europe indicate a link between in-game betting and gambling problems
• Attracts high-risk gamblers which may lead to more incidents

Legal Cases and Player Safety

• Past incidents of harassment and threats tied to gambling losses
  • Examples: Addison Choi and Ben "Parlay Patz" Patz cases
  • Roberts emphasizes need for better security measures

Players' Unions and Protections

• Players concerned about integrity of games due to proposition bets
• Leagues urged to protect players from undue influence

Mitigating Risks and Ensuring Safety

• Calls for gambling-related education, treatment, and security funding
  • Example: GambleAware in the UK
• Need for leagues to work with sportsbooks to manage risks
  • Potential for setting betting limits

Conclusion

• Legal sports betting has amplified existing concerns of betting-related harassment
• Solutions include improving security measures, educating about gambling problems, and managing fan interactions on social media
• Athletes like Valdes-Scantling adapt by ignoring threatening messages