This is the first few paragraphs of a longer story that you can find over at YaHoo Sports. That betting on and by college athletics (athletes) is much huger than most people realize.
("Most people" would not of course include the folks at this site!)
Betting threat
By Josh Peter, Yahoo! Sports
11 hours, 45 minutes ago
Tim Otteman, a gambler-turned-researcher conducted a study on student-athletes and gambling for Central Michigan University.
(Photo courtesy: Robert Barclay, Central Michigan University)MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – Copy machines across America have been working overtime this week, spitting out brackets for betting pools that have become as popular as NCAA basketball tournament itself, while a little-known researcher here has been finishing a study that could stun college officials otherwise swept up in March Madness.
The study indicates illegal gambling has a tighter grip on college athletics than many people thought.
For years, the NCAA has denounced gambling like one might decry a heinous crime. It fought hard but unsuccessfully to bar Las Vegas sports books from taking bets on college games. It prohibits athletes and coaches from taking part in any form of gambling involving college or pro sports – yes, even filling out brackets for pools with modest entry fees. Yet despite the get-tough stance, a study from Central Michigan University suggests illegal gambling that involves inside information obtained from student-athletes and others connected with teams requires a beefed-up approach if there’s any chance to get it under control.
("Most people" would not of course include the folks at this site!)
Betting threat
By Josh Peter, Yahoo! Sports
11 hours, 45 minutes ago
Tim Otteman, a gambler-turned-researcher conducted a study on student-athletes and gambling for Central Michigan University.
(Photo courtesy: Robert Barclay, Central Michigan University)MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – Copy machines across America have been working overtime this week, spitting out brackets for betting pools that have become as popular as NCAA basketball tournament itself, while a little-known researcher here has been finishing a study that could stun college officials otherwise swept up in March Madness.
The study indicates illegal gambling has a tighter grip on college athletics than many people thought.
For years, the NCAA has denounced gambling like one might decry a heinous crime. It fought hard but unsuccessfully to bar Las Vegas sports books from taking bets on college games. It prohibits athletes and coaches from taking part in any form of gambling involving college or pro sports – yes, even filling out brackets for pools with modest entry fees. Yet despite the get-tough stance, a study from Central Michigan University suggests illegal gambling that involves inside information obtained from student-athletes and others connected with teams requires a beefed-up approach if there’s any chance to get it under control.