I am what can become a sports fanatic.
I careen from season to season, living and dying with my Philly teams. And if it ever stops raining, I will soon take up my position on the deck with my handy radio to enjoy the surprising start by this Phillies team under Gabe Kapler.
Just me, a thick blanket of hot, humid air, the summer cicadas, and the Phils on the radio. Nothing better.
And have I reminded you later that the Eagles are Super Bowl Champions. Yes, that really happened.
But there is a new - and unwanted - intrusion that is headed our way.
The Supreme Court this week basically cleared the way for states to set up legal gambling on sporting events.
So how long do you think it will take before you can lay down a sports bet at Harrah's as opposed to your local bookie?
What, you think Harrisburg is going to pass up a chance for more revenue by feeding their favorite itch - wagering.
The lottery was not enough. Then they gave the green light to casinos. Now they are moving into mini and boutique casinos. They cleared the way for small games of chance.
Wagering on sports is next.
I don't like it. Not one bit.
I have no big gripe against betting for the most part. I've been known to get into a pool or lay down a bet on a nag (that one's for you, dad).
My concern stems from the effect on the games, including some you may not have considered.
Yes, I am aware that sports betting has been around forever. I've seen "Eight Men Out." I lived and worked through the Pete Rose saga.
I know some guys who can't really enjoy the game unless they have some "action" on it. I'm not one of them.
I have no time for sports fantasy leagues.
None of those are really my big concern.
I fear for the fan.
Imagine the ire of fans (you know the word stems from "fanatic," right?) if, already incensed that their team lost, they now also have to deal with the hit in their wallet. Yes, it could get real ugly real fast.
And think about this. What happens when a player has a bad night, or bumbles what usually is a routine play. Doubts start to creep into the fan's head. They start looking at the game differently. They wonder if there was more to it than simply an "off" night. Maybe the player has something going on the side.
Count me out on legal sorts wagering.
I think it's a bad bet.
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