Spot-Fixing Fears Continue to Rise
Micro-betting has thrived as a niche option for experienced bettors. The wagers usually aren’t large, but offer bettors a way to benefit from watching a game live. However, they also present a fantastic opportunity for spot-fixing.
Spot-fixing involves a player altering a play or a single moment in a game. This can make it incredibly difficult to prove, but watchdogs have been aggressively searching out unusual betting patterns. While this oversight has led to several investigations being opened into pro athletes over the past few months, it has yet to result in any convictions or punishment.
If the ongoing investigations fail to deliver results, it would only serve to further stoke fears over the integrity of pro sports in the US.
Local Scandals Lead Governor to Demand Action
While Ohio isn’t the first state to take aim at micro-betting recently, it has more reason to do so. That’s because two prominent members of the MLB’s Cleveland Guardians are currently under investigation for spot-fixing.
There have been many gambling scandals in both college and pro sports, but this is the first time we have seen two members of the same team be accused. This has led to more questions about what is going on in the Guardian’s clubhouse and how it was allowed to happen. It also has some fans concerned that players could be working together when spot-fixing, making these scandals even more challenging to prove.
Gov. DeWine decided not to wait for those questions to spread until the public began demanding action.
Will Fight Against Micro-Betting Spread?
Ohio’s attempt to crack down on micro-betting comes just two weeks after New Jersey began taking action. The state’s assembly saw a bill introduced that would ban micro-betting. While this indicates a growing opposition to the controversial bet type, the momentum may not last long.
DraftKings CEO Jason Robins recently shared his belief that the Garden State’s micro-betting ban would not get enough votes to pass. The gambling industry’s long presence in the state means it has significant political influence, as well as direct access to voters. If it fails, it could change how other states decide to approach micro-betting.
