By Reid Campbell

Sports betting has grown tremendously in recent years, changing how we watch and think about sports. Once seen as shady or illegal, betting on sports is now an everyday hobby for some, affecting fans, leagues, and even advertisers.

A major turning point for sports betting in the United States happened in May 2018. That’s when the US Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, a law that limited sports betting. This decision allowed states to legalize sports betting if they chose to, and now 38 states and D.C. have done just that. 

This shift has brought sports betting into the spotlight. Major leagues like the NFL, NBA, and MLB have started to partner with sportsbooks, which are companies that take bets. This has led to new additions to TV broadcasts that include betting odds and special segments about betting, making it easier for fans to get involved.

Photo credit: Sarah Stierch via flickr.

One of the largest changes brought by sports betting is how fans engage with games. Before, fans mainly cared about the final score, but now bettors are focused on player statistics, specific plays, and even individual performances. This has made watching games more exciting and interactive, with many fans participating in live betting during games.

Betting has also contributed to the continued growth of fantasy sports, where fans can create their own teams and compete based on real player performance. Due to having to track your players, this has built communities of dedicated fans and increased interest in games that might not have been popular otherwise. Now, even if you are not a fan of the teams playing, you will watch the game for your particular fantasy player.

Screenshot of a DraftKings Sportsbook TV advertisement. Image courtesy of DraftKings. 

The financial impact of sports betting is massive. Leagues are now making money through partnerships with sportsbooks, which include sponsorship deals and advertising revenue. For example, the NBA has collaborated with betting companies like FanDuel and DraftKings to provide odds and information during games. Likewise, NFL RedZone, the most popular sports network for the NFL on Sunday, is sponsored by DraftKings. With in-game betting becoming popular, many sports networks are now creating real-time ads to engage fans instantly. 

States that have legalized sports betting are seeing a boost in tax revenue, which can be used for important public services like schools and infrastructure. This financial windfall has made many states eager to jump on the betting bandwagon. Last year the state of New York brought in $876 Million in taxes due to betting.

As sports betting has grown, it has changed the advertising landscape. Advertisements for sportsbooks are now common during games, on social media, and sports media platforms. This new focus on betting raises questions about responsible gambling and the potential risks involved, especially for younger audiences. A recent NCAA survey polled that 58% of kids from 18-22 have placed at least one bet this year. This statistic is troubling, due to many state laws that do not allow gambling for those under 21. Recovered addict Rob Menek spoke on NBC News on how he got hooked, and that “high schoolers specifically are being hooked”. 

Calvin Ridley at a press conference. Photo credit: Atlanta Falcons via Wikipedia Commons. 

One significant event in the world of sports betting is the story of Calvin Ridley, a wide receiver in the NFL. In March 2022, he was suspended for an entire season after it was discovered that he had placed bets on games while taking time away from the Atlanta Falcons for mental health reasons. Ridley used a mobile app to bet on NFL games, thinking he was in the clear. Calvin later admitted when asked about the gambling that “it was the greatest mistake of his life” and it was “stupid.”

The NFL has strict rules against players betting on games, and Ridley’s suspension highlighted the serious consequences that can come from gambling in professional sports. His situation raised important questions about player behavior and the need for clear education on betting rules. After serving his suspension, Ridley was reinstated in March 2023 and joined the Jacksonville Jaguars. His story serves as a warning to other players about the risks of betting in a world where it’s becoming increasingly accepted.

While the growth of sports betting has its perks, it also comes with ethical challenges. Gambling addiction is a significant issue, particularly as more young people are drawn to betting. Sports leagues and regulators may start focusing more on responsible gambling and provide resources for those who may struggle. 

Featured image credit: Dmitry Sednev via flickr.