Ever since the U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for legalized sports betting in 2018, doomsayers have warned that the proliferation of wagering options — both legal and illegal — would bring an inevitable wave of scandal to sports. For the past year, at least, they appear to have been correct.
Click here to read the story at espn.com.
Discussion Questions:
- Why do you think sports betting had been illegal in the United States prior to 2018?
- How is legalized sports betting different from fantasy sports or filling out brackets for the NCAA tournament?
- What are the risks for consumers who gamble on sports?
- What are ethics?
- While it might legal to allow gambling on sports, is it ethical? Why or why not?
- In the past, sports leagues have been hesitant to align with sports betting companies, either as sponsors or advertisers. It is becoming much more common now. Do you think leagues and broadcast companies have an ethical obligation to avoid advertising and sponsorships with gambling and gaming companies? Why or why not?
- Based on what you learned in this news story, what are some of the gambling scandals that have recently rocked the sports world?
- Do you think we will see more of these types of scandals as legalized sports betting continues to grow in the United States? Why or why not?
- What can sports leagues do to prevent more scandals like these?