What Next | Daily News and Analysis Where Sports Betting Got Us
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Oct 28, 2025 Jay Willis, editor-in-chief of Balls and Strikes, delves into the recent NBA gambling scandals that led to over 30 indictments. He explains how motivations to cheat transcend wealth, driven by thrill and peer ties. The conversation reveals how such scandals erode fan trust and discusses the political implications of betting culture. With a look at crypto's gambling-like nature, Jay emphasizes the long-term effects on youth and the urgent need for regulatory reforms amidst an ingrained gambling culture.
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Legal Shift Normalized Sports Betting
- The Supreme Court ruling in 2018 opened the door to widespread state-level sports betting and normalization.
- Jay Willis says this made betting ubiquitous and vastly easier via apps and phones.
Mob-Linked Poker And NBA Insider Tips
- Jay Willis describes two indictments linking private mafia-run poker games to NBA insiders sharing game-related information.
- He cites Chauncey Billups, Damon Jones, and Terry Rozier as alleged participants selling or acting on insider info.
Why Wealthy Players Still Cheat
- Financial incentives alone don't explain why wealthy players may engage in betting schemes.
- Jay Willis says thrill, helping friends, and the excitement of getting away with it also drive such behavior.