The explosive growth of sports betting, transitioning from a shadowy underground industry to a mainstream enterprise backed by pervasive online wagering and ubiquitous TV commercials, has introduced significant challenges, affecting athletes at all levels.
In 2024, baseball was particularly hard-hit by gambling scandals that captured widespread attention. One notable incident involved Shohei Ohtani’s personal interpreter and friend, Ippei Mizuhara. Mizuhara pleaded guilty to embezzling $17 million from Ohtani to place approximately 19,000 bets over two years and now faces up to 33 years in prison.
Eldon Ham, a sports, law, and justice expert, analyzed the situation in an article for the Chicago Sun Times. He discussed how gambling addiction, driven by money and desperation, can lead to behavior that seriously undermines the integrity of sports.
The Surge in legal sports betting
Last year, legal sports betting surged by 28%, surpassing an astonishing $119 billion—more than the GDP of 15 states. This rapid growth shows no signs of slowing down.
However, the influx of money and the industry’s swift rise have brought unintended consequences. The omnipresence of gambling advertising encourages many novice and amateur bettors to wager more money, take greater risks, and consequently lose more than they can afford.
These losses often lead to negative emotions, with some bettors taking to social media to vent their frustrations, sometimes even issuing threats. A notable example involved an NCAA team competing in the 2023 College World Series, which received threats necessitating law enforcement intervention.
The volatile combination of a losing sports fan, a lost bet, and alcohol can quickly escalate into a dangerous situation. Celebrity athletes, already at risk of being stalked both in real life and online, now face a new category of threats from disgruntled gamblers.
These gamblers can range from those vocally expressing disappointment over game errors to those exploding with rage when a player costs them significant money. The threats can include intimidation, in-person stalking, and even death threats to athletes and their families.
Gambling scandals involving players and coaches
The issue isn’t limited to aggravated fans. This year, Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano received a lifetime ban from Major League Baseball for allegedly placing 387 bets on baseball games last season, including those involving the Pirates, his former team. Marcano became the first active player in a century to receive such a punishment.
Similarly, Alabama baseball coach Brad Bohannon lost his job following a gambling scandal where he allegedly leaked inside information to a bettor, according to the NCAA.
The need for industry reform
The sports betting industry and sports leagues must collaborate to better manage the rapid growth of sports gambling and its associated risks. Addressing these issues is crucial to maintaining the integrity of sports and protecting athletes from the consequences of this burgeoning industry.
