[Senator Clay Davis]

As long as players bet on their own teams to win I don't even necessarily have a problem with that. Pretty sure boxers and MMA fighters are allowed to do that. If anything, it'd be kinda good? Rather than just showing up for the guaranteed paycheck they'd actually have a stake in winning, in theory it would make them more motivated. It would be betting something very specific that could be problematic (i.e. betting on a score specific win like a 3-1 win so they take a blatant penalty to ensure the other team scores). But just straight betting on their own team to win? I don't see it as a major problem. Obviously betting anything else is, however.

But gambling will only get worse, especially in North America where it's still relatively new on a wide scale. Sports leagues are either close to the apex, or post-apex, in terms of fan interest. Gambling, fantasy sports, these are the last avenues to drive further interest/growth. Governments aren't going to legislate it away either cause they need the tax money. I know the PL has the "restriction" coming soon for gambling sponsors as the main kit sponsor, but it tells you all you need to know that all they've done is pushed it to the shoulder patch. Just too much money there.