Arrr, me hearties! College footy crews be spyin' on their players to steer clear of scurvy sports-bettin' ruckus.
2023-08-22
Arrr, me hearties! Yon college football crews be seekin' the aid of independent scallywags to keep a weather eye on their players and crew, makin' sure they be not a-wagin' their doubloons on the games!
North Carolina junior tight end John Copenhaver receives frequent reminders from his university about the importance of not violating rules against betting on sports. This is because the spread of legalized sports gambling, as well as recent scandals, have made athletic departments and conference offices more vigilant. To ensure compliance, major conferences are hiring independent betting monitors and requiring athletes to provide personal information like birthdays, addresses, and Social Security numbers. This information is used to identify any suspicious activity related to betting.Universities are taking a closer look at the betting market due to recent scandals at Alabama, Iowa, and Iowa State. More than a dozen current and former athletes and staff members from these schools have faced charges. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) has long prioritized educating athletes about the dangers of gambling due to its location in the nation's betting capital. They cover topics like not sharing lineup information and keeping athletes away from potentially risky situations.
The Supreme Court's decision to legalize sports betting in 2018 has led to its rapid expansion, with 37 states plus the District of Columbia now allowing it. Matthew Holt, the founder of U.S. Integrity, realized that sports organizations needed help ensuring their members didn't engage in gambling activities. U.S. Integrity now works with major conferences like the Southeastern Conference and the Big 12 to monitor and prevent illegal betting by athletes and staff.
While efforts are being made to monitor legal sports betting, tracking wagers made with illegal bookies remains a challenge. The American Gaming Association estimates that around $64 billion is wagered illegally each year. However, the detection of irregularities in legal betting is seen as proof that the system is working.
Financial projections suggest that the legal sports wagering market could reach almost $13 billion by 2025. This potential revenue has led conferences like the Mid-American Conference to sign data licensing agreements with companies like Genius Sports. However, conferences like the SEC and Big Ten must carefully consider the potential risks before entering into such agreements.
Improved technology has made it easier to track line movements and identify well-known athletes, but it is more challenging to monitor lower-profile athletes. College athletes can also use betting apps, which can make them easier to track, but fake accounts pose a problem. Despite the challenges, monitoring athletes, coaches, and staff members is crucial to protect the integrity of college sports.