The rise of regulated sports betting in the United States is making a significant impact on the lives of Americans; both intended and unintended. One of the most significant impacts has been on professional and college athletes who are subject to some pretty serious harassment, and even death threats, from aggrieved gamblers who have wagered on their individual performances in proposition bets. That subject was the topic of recent comments made by Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred before this week’s All-Star at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.
“If a player receives a threat from any source, on any topic, it is a matter of concern to us that we take really seriously. I’ve had players in the last month mention this issue to me as one of concern and we’re discussing what we should do to be more proactive in this area,” Manfred said in comments reported on by ESPN.com.
Manfred also commented on the seemingly never-ending string of players who are paying the price for violating the MLB’s gambling policies. “I’m a believer that penalties and demonstration of your ability to figure what’s going on serves as a deterrent. Working your whole life to get to the major leagues in whatever role and lose that over sports betting, that’s a huge penalty,” he said.
Despite its problems, Manfred made it clear that regulated sports betting has not harmed professional baseball saying, “I truly believe we’re in a better position to know what’s going on today then we were in the old days when it was all illegal.”