Who Will Be The Next Black Sox?
It is only a matter of time before gambling taints another franchise
Professional sports are flirting with disaster when it comes to gambling. Beginning with the loosening of gambling regulations nationwide, sports gambling has exploded into a multibillion-dollar industry that is only expected to keep growing. Fueled by mammoth ad campaigns (highlighted by television ads, internet ads, radio spots, and influencers) and getting open support from all facets of the industry, sports betting has been catapulted into the mainstream, and it is here to stay. In 2023, the industry posted a record $11 billion in revenue. That number is expected to be larger by the end of 2024.
Anyone with even a modicum of common sense, or who is a student of history, will know that when there is so much money involved with sports betting, impropriety is sure to follow. The question is not whether gambling will affect the integrity of professional sports. The question is when it will be and who will be the unlucky team caught in the middle.
In 1919, just over a century ago, the Chicago White Sox were embarrassed when eight of its members were accused of fixing the World Series. The players had conspired to intentionally lose to the Cincinnati Reds. The players were paid by a shadowy “gambling syndicate,” which ensured…
