Major League Baseball Warming Up To Online Betting

Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred revealed that the organization is re-examining its stance on legal sports betting. This may send shock waves that go way further than the baseball world. From the historic Pete Rose incident in 1989(who was banned from baseball and more importantly, the baseball hall of fame, when as a Coach he was caught betting) until today, Baseball as an industry has snubbed its nose at sports betting of any kind. Times, apparently, are changing.

Although America maintains a tough stance on betting, both on and offline, changes in the political atmosphere, an acceptance of the inevitable and the reality of the massive cash cow known as the betting industry, indicates changes may be on their way in Americas’ relationship to gaming. Like many other top executives in sports, Rob Manfred senses that attitudes are relaxing and the Trump administration may reveal a new era for American bettors.

The new administration might be more open to the idea of legalizing sports betting. Although under current legislation, Nevada is the only US state allowed to accept sports bets, the nationwide ban is frequently contested. The most shining examples of which are: President Trump himself who back in the 1990s spoke openly in support of sports betting, although this is yet to be reiterated in his new role as President, and New Jerseys’ most recent legal request for sports betting legalization reaching the US Supreme Court. This is a big step forward for online sports betting and possibly casinos within the United States, as it may indicate that the supreme court will decide to hear the case.

MLB, more specifically is trying hard to speak to the next generation of sports fans and feels that a more lenient attitude and environment towards online sports betting could appeal to younger fans, both comfortable and familiar with online environments. Mr. Manfred stated that regulated online betting can help baseball sustain its popular status as a dominant American sport, allowing fans yet more access points to relate to baseball online.

For Rob Manfred, sports betting is an inevitable piece of the sporting industry landscape, regardless of its legal status. Legalization and regulation of the industry will help remove the criminal element from the current picture, and give the government a chance to generate significant federal income. For evidence of this, speculators need only look at the state revenue Nevada gains from Las Vegas casinos, never mind the potential growth in employment.

All in all, it looks like online sports betting may be about to hit a major home run in the US which we believe will create countless opportunities for online gaming worldwide.