I think it is safe to say that the TOUR is all-in *snickers* on the legalized sports gambling bandwagon. This does not bother me at all. I think gambling should be legalized across all jurisdictions. I don't participate currently, but I might dabble if it becomes legally available in my state.
However, if the TOUR is going to embrace gambling the way that they appear to be, there are some things I would like to see to ensure the integrity of the market.
- Injury status: Reports are coming out that Jordan Spieth had an undisclosed hand injury, which helped put him into the slump he is climbing out of. Reports are coming out that Brooks Koepka's injury could be worse than reported, knocking him out for multiple months. I get that players are independent contractors, but if the TOUR is going to be affiliated with sports gaming outfits, it seems that hiding injuries is pretty shady.
- Rules violations: Players breaking the rules will never end, on camera, or off camera. But with the betting options available, DFS, head to heads, top 20s, etc, a rules violation can mean a lot more than a player winning an event or not. It affects a lot more people and dollars. What does the TOUR have to do to ensure the integrity of the game, especially when there are so many stakeholders in the game.
What say you? Do you embrace the sports betting side of the professional game? Do you dabble in it at all? Does the Tour affiliating itself with sportsbooks give you pause?
However, if the TOUR is going to embrace gambling the way that they appear to be, there are some things I would like to see to ensure the integrity of the market.
- Injury status: Reports are coming out that Jordan Spieth had an undisclosed hand injury, which helped put him into the slump he is climbing out of. Reports are coming out that Brooks Koepka's injury could be worse than reported, knocking him out for multiple months. I get that players are independent contractors, but if the TOUR is going to be affiliated with sports gaming outfits, it seems that hiding injuries is pretty shady.
- Rules violations: Players breaking the rules will never end, on camera, or off camera. But with the betting options available, DFS, head to heads, top 20s, etc, a rules violation can mean a lot more than a player winning an event or not. It affects a lot more people and dollars. What does the TOUR have to do to ensure the integrity of the game, especially when there are so many stakeholders in the game.
What say you? Do you embrace the sports betting side of the professional game? Do you dabble in it at all? Does the Tour affiliating itself with sportsbooks give you pause?