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How Gambling Has Taken Center Stage In America’s Pastime
Baseball and gambling have appeared together in the news again, revealing how massive the industry- and its issues- has grown. San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano was banned for life last week for betting on the sport, while four other layers received a one-year suspension. In total, Marcano placed 387 bets totaling more than $150,000 in October 2022 and from last July through November with a legal sportsbook. Marcano’s ban comes after the NBA’s Jontay Porter received a lifetime ban for sharing confidential information with bettors and wagering on games, including his own. Of course, Shohei Ohtani remains in the news since the MLB launched an investigation into his involvement with ex-translator Ippei Mizuhara’s illegal gambling activities. Ohtani was recently cleared from all charges as the MLB found no involvement with Mizuhara’s wagering.
On the other side, baseball players have expressed recent concern about threats and harassing messages they have received from sports bettors, including Venmo requests to their personal accounts. San Francisco Giants Third Baseman Matt Chapman shared he had to change his Venmo after he received numerous requests when sports bettors lost Chapman-related wagers. Baseball players, like all professional athletes, are no strangers to critiques and negative feedback from fans and analysts. With the dawn of social media, the ability to communicate with athletes has become infinitely easier. However, the criticism has escalated when money is involved: baseball players report receiving death threats or threats on their families. One MLB manager revealed he received death threats at his home and called on police protection.
It seems the world of sports betting has taken over baseball fandom- how did this happen so fast? First, in 2018 the US Supreme Court struck down a 1992 federal law prohibiting most states from allowing sports betting. Before 2018, most fans only bet when they traveled to cities like Las Vegas where sports betting was legal. Sports betting is now legal in 38 states and the District of Columbia, with active legislation in progress for 6 more states. Sports betting has generated a whole new industry, as companies like DraftKings have formed solely for sports gambling.
During the month of February 2024, Americans spent $10.49 billion on sports betting- an almost 25% increase from the previous year, according to the American Gambling Association. Approximately 67.8 million American adults bet on the Super Bowl, and overall in 2024, nearly $120 billion was spent in legal bets in 2023. For reference, in 2023, the value of global sports media rights in 2023 was $56 billion. In 2023, more than $11 billion in state taxes were brought into state coffers, with New York state leading in taxes collected.
It is now estimated that 2.5 million adults in the United States meet the criteria for severe gambling issues- but leaders of the American Gambling Association argue that legalizing sports betting allows more measures to be put in place to help those with gambling issues. So far, the American Gambling Association and other governing bodies have not yet planned for the rise in threats to safety of players and managers. Other analysts also suggest legalizing sports betting has only increased the number of Americans with serious issues. Exposure to sports betting advertisements has also popularized the activities among young people.
While there may not be one answer, education and awareness about the risks of gambling can always help sports bettors make better decisions. Regarding players gambling, perhaps more hard and fast rules about gambling on any sport- not just their own- will deter them. Unfortunately, Marcano and other suspended players should serve as examples. In the coming years as states grapple with legalizing sports betting, they will also need to craft smart legislation that encourages safe gambling without creating a storm of addiction.
Submitted by Jem Jebbia