The Good and Bad of Sports Betting
Sports betting can be a dangerous activity. Illegal sports betting can lead to match-fixing, spot-fixing, and point shaving. However, the majority of sports betting is legal and safe. Moreover, it increases viewership of sporting events. There are many reasons for sports betting, and some are good while others are bad.
Illegal sports betting causes point shaving, spot-fixing, and overall match fixing
Point shaving is a common method used by gambling agents to influence game outcomes. It involves players on a team that has been picked to lose bribing them to make the team lose by more than the point spread. In turn, gambling agents place bets on the favorite team so that the underdog team wins by more points than the point spread. This method is considered illegal and carries stiff penalties.
The practice was first exposed by an NBA referee who was convicted of two felonies in 2007. His scheme included changing foul calls and giving players the impression of a more lenient call. Point shaving was also a common practice in football. In fact, a fictional character from the TV show The Sopranos claimed to have invented it in 1951.
It increases viewership
Many broadcasters are discovering that legalized sports betting is a good way to boost viewership and increase revenue. According to a study by Horowitz Research, sports betting is associated with increased sports viewing and engagement. Increased viewership translates into increased ad revenue. This can have a significant impact on a broadcaster’s bottom line.
In a recent survey, 70% of Americans said they watched sports more often after betting on them. The study found that the amount of fans betting on a particular sport correlated directly with the amount of viewership for that particular sport. The NFL has seen its viewership increase by billions of dollars in recent years, in large part because people bet more on the game.
It is generally safe
Betting on sports is generally safe, but there are some risks that should be taken into account. One of these risks is that some websites can install malware on your computer. These malicious programs, called keyloggers, record keystrokes and steal your personal information. To prevent this from happening, be sure to use a reliable antivirus.
It is also important to make sure you are choosing a reputable site. Luckily, there are many trustworthy sportsbooks online. However, there are a handful of unethical websites that can rip you off and steal your money. You should only use reputable sites and make sure to read their terms and conditions and customer testimonials.