In October, the FBI arrested more than 30 people, including NBA players and coaches, for providing insider information to gamblers.
The investigation uncovered tens of millions of dollars in fraud. In November, two Cleveland Guardians pitchers were indicted for allegedly conspiring with bettors to manipulate games.
The backstory:
Scandals involving rigged professional sports betting have raised concerns nationwide. Florida lawmakers are acting to prevent similar incidents in the state by increasing penalties and oversight for illegal betting practices.
ALSO READ: Tennessee AG says increasing the heat on casino sweeps resulted in exits.
What they’re saying:
According to FBI Director Kash Patel, “we’re talking about tens of millions of dollars in fraud and theft and robbery across a multi-year investigation.”
Jim Gray, a sportscaster, described participation in such schemes as “just foolish,” cautioning about the dangers to athletes’ careers. Stronger sanctions could discourage players, coaches, and customers from engaging in illicit behavior, according to betting analyst Geoff Zochodne.
“I think these kinds of laws and penalties…can have a real impact on people who are trying to gain something from that, particularly in Florida,” Zochodne stated.
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