Do we still need betting in American sports?

National Football League (NFL) Commissioner Roger Goodell delivers remarks during an event at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., launching an initiative between the Army and the NFL to work to raise awareness about traumatic brain injury Aug. 30, 2012. (SSG Teddy Wade)

The National Collegiate Athletic Association was the subject of controversy last month when it was revealed that many American states were interested in gambling on the sport.

As March Madness began with a play-in game in Dayton, Ohio, officials in New Jersey were debating the possibility of lifting an injunction which currently bars sports betting at Atlantic City casinos and racetracks in the state.

It was later revealed that the Justice Department had joined with the NCAA to oppose the ban. It’s a particularly controversial debate, especially when one considers the amount of money at stake. Currently, approximately $2.5 billion is bet on NCAA each year, which is enough to rival the National Football League.

What is even more interesting, then, is the NFL’s staunch opposition to betting on American sports. Despite the current legal battles, NFL’s commissioner Roger Goodell still maintains that the sport should maintain its traditions, and claims that any type of gambling will have a “negative impact” on the NFL.

It’s a tricky subject that can be approached from a number of angles. For one, currently in the United States, online gambling is only legal in three states – Nevada, Delaware and New Jersey. It’s a stark contrast from regions such as South Africa, where operators such as Uptown Aces are legally allowed to draw in customers with offers on games like blackjack, and it’s particularly disconcerting considering how popular land-based casinos are in areas like New Jersey. If the state can offer such a gambler’s paradise, why would it not want to offer sports betting?

On the other hand, however, those who oppose sports betting could cite the number of alternatives that still make the sport exciting. For example, it was recently announced that Major League Baseball had signed a multi-year partnership with DraftKings, a daily fantasy operator.

Traditionally, fantasy sports comprises putting together a hypothetical team with those who the player deems the best from a number of teams, for example, picking the best baseball players to make up one’s own ‘fantasy’ baseball team. However, Draftkings takes this one step further and offers cash incentives to those whose teams fare particularly well. It still provides an element of competition, but cannot technically be classed as gambling. Would this provide a fair halfway house for those wishing to make money on their favourite sports?

It’s an on-going battle but is one which could ultimately change the face of American sports as we know them.

Let us know your thoughts on the issue in the comments box below.