Cal Thomas: A bad bet
In a landmark decision in 2018, the Supreme Court voted 6-3 to overturn a federal law that prohibited sports gambling, empowering individual states to regulate betting within their jurisdictions. This ruling opened the floodgates for states to explore sports betting as a new revenue stream, especially as politicians search for alternatives to traditional tax sources like income and property taxes. Fast forward to last week, and the repercussions of this decision have come to light with the indictment of over 30 individuals in a national sports betting scandal. High-profile figures such as Chauncey Billups, the head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier have been implicated. Billups faces charges related to rigged poker games, while Rozier has been accused of supplying insider information to an illegal betting operation. The FBI’s investigation has spanned 11 states, indicating a widespread and deeply rooted issue within the sports community.
Perhaps the most shocking element of this scandal is its alleged connection to organized crime, specifically three notorious Mafia families: the Gambinos, Bonnanos, and Genoveses. This revelation challenges the perception that such crime syndicates have faded into history, reminiscent of classic films like “Goodfellas” and “The Godfather.” The National Basketball Association (NBA), which has partnered with major betting platforms like FanDuel and DraftKings, responded to the indictments by emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations and reaffirming its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the game. However, the integrity of professional sports is now under scrutiny, as the involvement of players and coaches in illegal activities raises questions about the ethical landscape of sports betting. The allure of quick cash and the thrill of defiance against the law seem to have enticed individuals who are already financially secure, highlighting a troubling trend where gambling is increasingly normalized and even glamorized, particularly through advertisements during major sporting events.
The implications of this scandal extend beyond the individuals involved, echoing the historical challenges of regulating vice in society. The narrative of gambling as a vice is not new; it has long been a part of American culture, and the recent push to rebrand it as “gaming” only serves to make it more palatable to the public. As seen in the past with figures like Pete Rose, who was banned from baseball for betting on games, the consequences of gambling violations can be severe and enduring. With the NBA facing potential further indictments and a tarnished reputation, there are calls for more stringent regulations within the gambling industry. The ongoing saga raises important questions about the future of sports integrity, the role of gambling in American society, and whether regulatory measures can effectively mitigate the risks associated with this burgeoning industry. As the landscape of sports betting evolves, it is crucial for lawmakers and regulators to consider the lessons of history and the potential repercussions of a gambling culture that is rapidly becoming mainstream.
In 2018, the Supreme CourtÂ
voted 6-3
 to strike down a federal law banning sports gambling, thus allowing individual states to decide whether to allow it, or not. It didn’t take a genius to predict what might happen, especially when politicians can find new sources of revenue beyond income, property and sales taxes.
Last week, more than 30 people were indicted as part of a national sports betting scandal involving high-profile figures, including Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier. Billups was charged in a scheme involving rigged poker games, and Rozier was charged for allegedly providing insider information to an illegal sports betting ring. A former player, Damon Jones, was also indicted for sharing insider information. The FBI said arrests were made in 11 states with more arrests likely to come.
What may have surprised many were allegations that these schemes are linked to three different Mafia families. Isn’t the Mafia the stuff of movies like “Goodfellas” and “The Godfather”? People may have thought crime families had been put out of business years ago by federal agents like Eliot Ness, then leader of a Chicago team known as the “Untouchables” that took on Al Capone. A TV series by that name ran from 1959 to 1963 and starred Robert Stack as Ness. The series captivated American audiences.
Three of the five crime families allegedly involved in sports betting and rigged poker games are familiar to people with long memories: the Gambinos, the Bonnanos and the Genoveses families.
The National Basketball Association, which has Fan Duel and Draft Kings as its “official” sports betting partners, issued aÂ
statement
 following the indictments. It read in part: “We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and the integrity of our game remains our top priority.”
The “integrity of our game” was the first thing to go. It will be difficult to get it restored.
One wonders how people making millions of dollars would be enticed by offers of a few hundred thousand dollars to do something they had to know was against the law. Perhaps it was the thrill one can get from such behavior. Perhaps it was the instant cash delivered to their doorsteps. Whatever it was is crazy stupid.
Not all vices can be regulated. Prohibition is usually presented as the worst example. While not everyone conforms to every law (if they did the prisons would be empty), the law sets a standard which tells people what history and societies have shown is best for them and the nation.
Gamblers, like the poor, we have always had with us, but when gambling (now called “gaming” to supposedly make it more palatable) becomes the norm and especially when it is advertised during breaks in NBA and NFL games, it sends a message that this vice is acceptable, even recommended. Putting in small print on the screen “Gambling problem?” and an 1-800 number to dial is not a quick fix for those who can’t afford to lose the rent or food money.
Cincinnati Reds star playerÂ
Pete Rose
 was banned from baseball in 1989 for betting on games when he managed the club. After denying the allegation for years, Rose eventually admitted the charge which ended his eligibility for Hall of Fame consideration. He will be re-considered for admission when the special committee that decides who gets in meets inÂ
December 2027
.
Given the scandal involving the NBA, with possibly more indictments to come, Rose should be granted admission to the Hall and Congress should consider more regulation of the gambling industry that could pass Supreme Court muster.
Readers may email Cal Thomas atÂ
tcaeditors@tribpub.com
. Look for Cal Thomas’ latest book “A Watchman in the Night: What I’ve Seen Over 50 Years Reporting on America” (HumanixBooks).
