The Pervasive Dangers of Gambling

Taking a look at sports latest trend of sports betting

A few weeks ago, we witnessed the largest sporting event in the world, the Super Bowl. While the game and its programming are known for exciting action on the field, funny commercials, and halftime shows, one recent trend has gained massive momentum over the last five years: gambling. It is estimated that over $1.39 billion was spent on sports betting for this year’s game. That number increased from last year’s Super Bowl of $1.25 billion.

When I speak at different events or tell people what I do and teach, almost automatically, the question is raised about my thoughts on gambling. As you can probably tell by this article's title, I think it is a hazardous and overall negative idea.

But how did this start? Gambling was mostly looked down upon by the country, especially in sports. Take the state that I live in, for example. While horse betting has always been legal, betting on other sports did not become legal and popularized until 2023. Yet, a year later, we have channels named after gambling websites (FanDuel Network) and advertisements for spreads and over/unders shown during the games.

One reason there are supporters of legalized gambling is because it makes the fans more invested in the games. Instead of cheering on your favorite team as moral support, there could be a cash incentive if a player or team hits your parlay. However, we have seen many negatives to this new fan investment. Many players now have to deal with the constant harassment of fans because of a lost bet.

Another problem that gambling brings is questioning the efficacy of games. In 2007, NBA referee, Tim Donaghy was caught, and jailed in a gambling conspiracy where he fixed games. As a result, the NBA made widespread changes in its gambling policies to crack down on any suspected mishappenings in the games. Unfortunately, the Donaghy scandal also leads to widespread mistrust of the league and its officials. It has now become common to hear fans ponder if the game being watched is “fixed.”

Unfortunately, our culture's embrace of gambling has led to more issues within sports. Earlier this month, baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani’s former agent was jailed for five years for allegedly stealing $17 million from Ohtani to gamble. Additionally, three college basketball programs have been placed under investigation for game fixing. Major League Baseball also fired umpire Pat Hoberg for sharing a sports betting account with a friend. These are all breaking news about gambling this month. 

We have a sports betting issue in our country. Unfortunately, the trends only show that is getting worse. According to recent research, half of American men ages 18-49 have at least one betting account open. The new gamified ways to be involved in gambling are also pervasive among young adults and can lead to a life of addiction and financial burdens.

Gambling also dehumanizes the athlete. As the intention to bring more fan involvement might have been pure, its results are devasting to the games. Instead of championing athletes for grit, determination, and will to win (what is traditionally celebrated in athletics) the gaze of gambling has now skewed our view to see athletes only as a means to make money. In turn, athletes lose their humanity and are only objects as a means to an end.

What can we do?

I’ve frequently considered this question over the past few years. We know the awful effects of gambling on our culture, yet it doesn’t seem to be slowing down. I think it comes down to an ethic of fans and players. Although the lure of cashing out on a big bet exists, it is a temptation that is unnecessary.

In my role as an educator, this topic naturally comes up in class. I try to warn my students, especially young men, about the dangers of sports betting. There are plenty of ways to be involved in sports. Degrading humans and putting your financial future at risk isn’t one of them. As a culture, we must decide on what the purpose of sport is. If we believe that sports are a societal good that can teach good moral character then we must weed out what poisons it. Gambling is a toxin that needs to be removed from sport. Educating others about its dangers and the traps that people have previously fallen in is a great first step.

I will continue to think about ways to limit sports betting in our culture but I am curious about what you all think. Do you think that gambling is an issue? What do you think can be done to prevent it?