Prior to events relating to the NBA, India banned online gambling in August, hitting its national cricket team’s sponsor.
The stunning indictment that led to the arrest of more than 30 people, including Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and other NBA figures, on charges of illegal sports betting, has drawn new scrutiny of the booming business of professional sports gambling across the United States.
Since widespread legalisation, the multibillion-dollar industry has made it easy to place wagers on everything from the outcome of games to that of a single play with just a few taps of a cellphone. It’s just about impossible to go to a basketball, football, baseball or other pro game today – or watch a matchup on TV – without seeing advertisements for sports betting.
Fans can place wagers from their stadium seats, while “Bet” tickers scroll on TV sports broadcasts. Star athletes are frequently at the centre of promoting it all.
In Thursday’s indictment, federal investigators accused Rozier and other defendants of breaking the law by exploiting private information about players to win bets on NBA games.
Continue Reading on Al Jazeera
This preview shows approximately 15% of the article. Read the full story on the publisher's website to support quality journalism.