Hiltzik argues that legalized gambling is already having a negative impact on sports

Major League Baseball is facing a potential historic scandal involving Shohei Ohtani, one of its biggest superstars. The Dodgers slugger has denied any involvement in allegedly illegal bets placed by his friend and former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, who has since been fired by the team. Mizuhara initially claimed that Ohtani covered his gambling losses, but Ohtani’s camp has countered that Mizuhara stole from the player to cover those losses.

While there is currently no evidence to suggest Ohtani’s guilt, the consequences of being involved in betting on baseball are severe. The league imposes a year-long suspension for betting on games in which a player was not involved, and a permanent ban for betting on games in which the player is involved. Placing bets with an illegal bookmaker can result in penalties determined by the league commissioner.

This scandal comes at a time when Major League Baseball has fully embraced sports betting partnerships with companies like FanDuel, DraftKings, and MGM Resorts International. Despite promoting responsible gambling, the league’s cozy relationship with the gambling industry has raised questions about integrity and hypocrisy.

The expansion of legalized gambling has created new challenges for sports leagues, with concerns about potential corruption and the impact on the integrity of games. As the boundaries between sports and gambling continue to blur, the risks and consequences for players, coaches, and the leagues themselves are becoming increasingly apparent. The future of sports and the impact of gambling partnerships remain uncertain, with the potential for more scandals on the horizon.