minneapolis — Minnesota fans want legalization sports betting This year, it finally crossed the finish line at the state capitol. But he has one big concern left. That means changing the rules could make players, coaches and referees more vulnerable to bribery and intimidation.
This feels a bit like the marijuana story. Countries want a share of what already exists.
“The arguments are similar, but it's a little different because of the laws at the federal level, but certainly sports betting is happening,” said Sen. Jeremy Miller.
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What is evolving is even more complex. Shohei Otani had to fire his interpreter because it turned out he had paid out millions of dollars in gambling. He raised red flags because data shows NBA players may be gambling on their teams.
JB Bickerstaff, a former Gopher and current coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers, said at least one gambler targeted him and his family.
“They got my phone number and started sending me crazy messages about where I lived, my kids, everything,” Bickerstaff said.
He is concerned about the integrity of the game and everything that comes with allowing gambling.
“It was kind of an emotional answer given what I went through and what happened and the questions that were asked of me,” Bickerstaff said. “I think the league has done a great job of talking to them and protecting us.”
Artificial intelligence is also creating different types of analytics for sports to understand trends and identify patterns that can improve regulation.
Tom Barrett, former director of the Minnesota Gaming Control Board, said: “The ability to generate this kind of data, whether it's man-made or just good research, is a huge challenge to how this whole operation is going to play out.” I think it will be of great help.” . “Right now, we are seeing some differences in who is advertising, which gambling establishments are advertising and what is driving the advertising.”
The hope is to create funds for presentations to continue hosting large events in Minnesota, where many have been held.
“Bringing these large-scale events to Minnesota has a tremendous economic impact on our communities and the entire state,” Miller said.
What will determine whether this bill passes this Congress is whether or not you have the opportunity to bet on the game, not who wins or loses, but whether you can bet within the game – the statistics. Like how many points Naz Reid will score or whether Anthony Edwards will get a technical foul tonight. And that can be dangerous.
Related: Changes to Minnesota's long-awaited sports betting bill would ban in-game betting
An important action takes place here – a bet in the game, but not everyone wants to take part in it.
“It takes the excitement out of the game. You can't focus on both at the same time when you're focused on something else,” said one man.
But it's also an opportunity to build a fan base with your new arm.
Another said: “This will allow more fans to attend and bring those watching at home closer to the game. Overall I think it's a great idea.”
The biggest concern is who is likely to be targeted to change the game.
“Whenever you bring in gambling, especially this type of gambling activity, how do you maintain that level of integrity? Who are the participants? Who lowers the stakes? How much are the payouts? ?Who influences those odds?'' Barrett said.
And for players in the arena, this is happening quickly – perhaps too quickly.
“Again, there’s a lot going on in our game, but I think there are conversations that need to continue,” Bickerstaff said.
Thirty-eight states have already approved sports betting.
