Basketball has long been associated with gambling, dating back to the 1940s and '50s when point shaving scandals rocked the college basketball world. Today, with the legalization of sports betting in many states, the relationship between basketball and gambling is even more prevalent. From casual office pools to multi-million dollar wagers placed by professional gamblers, the impact of gambling on the sport of basketball cannot be ignored. In this comprehensive history of gambling in basketball, we will explore the evolution of this relationship from the early days of point shaving to the modern era of point spreads and prop bets. We will delve into the various scandals that have plagued the sport over the years, including the infamous 1951 CCNY point shaving scandal, and examine the ways in which these events have shaped the modern landscape of sports betting.
Furthermore, we will examine the impact that the legalization of sports betting has had on basketball, including the changing attitudes of players, coaches, and fans towards gambling. We will also explore the technological advancements that have made sports betting more accessible than ever before, including mobile betting apps and online sportsbooks. Ultimately, this history of gambling in basketball will provide a fascinating look into the complex and often controversial relationship between sports and gambling. By exploring the past, present, and future of this relationship, we will gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which basketball has been shaped by the world of gambling, and vice versa.
EARLY DAYS OF BASKETBALL GAMBLING
Basketball has a long and storied history when it comes to gambling. From its early days as a sport in the late 19th century, basketball has been subject to gambling interests. In the early days of basketball, gambling took many forms, from small wagers between friends to larger betting pools at local games. As the sport gained in popularity in the early 20th century, gambling on basketball grew as well. In the 1920s and 1930s, college basketball was a popular target for gamblers, who saw an opportunity to influence the outcome of games. This period saw the rise of point shaving, a practice in which players were paid to intentionally miss shots or make mistakes in order to affect the outcome of the game and cover the point spread.
One of the most infamous cases of point shaving in basketball occurred in 1951, when a group of players from City College of New York were caught accepting bribes to shave points in games. This scandal, along with others that followed in the 1950s, led to a crackdown on gambling in basketball and the implementation of new rules and regulations to prevent players and coaches from being influenced by outside interests. Despite these efforts, gambling on basketball continued to be a problem throughout the 20th century. In the 1970s and 1980s, the rise of sports betting and the spread of illegal gambling operations led to renewed concerns about the integrity of the game. The NBA and NCAA responded by increasing their efforts to monitor and regulate gambling, but the problem persisted.
In the 21st century, gambling on basketball has become more mainstream than ever before. With the legalization of sports betting in many states, fans can now place bets on games legally and openly. The rise of daily fantasy sports and online betting has also made it easier than ever for fans to engage with gambling on basketball. While gambling on basketball has a long and complicated history, it remains a popular and important aspect of the sport. As the NBA and NCAA continue to grapple with the challenges of regulating and monitoring gambling, it is clear that the relationship between basketball and gambling is likely to continue to evolve in the years to come.
GAMBLING IN THE NCAA
As college basketball grew in popularity during the mid-20th century, so did the problem of gambling on games. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) was established in 1906 with the goal of promoting amateurism and fair play in collegiate sports, but gambling quickly became a threat to that mission. One of the most notorious cases of gambling in college basketball was the point shaving scandal at City College of New York (CCNY) in 1951. Seven players were arrested for accepting bribes to intentionally lose games and cover point spreads. This scandal had a major impact on college basketball and led to increased vigilance against gambling in the NCAA. In 1954, the NCAA established a "no gambling" rule for all of its member institutions. This rule prohibited anyone associated with college sports from betting on games or providing information to gamblers. However, the NCAA struggled to enforce this rule, as gambling continued to be a problem in college basketball.