RebKell's Junkie Boards

[ClayK]

If there is one area that the WNBA has not exploited enough, it is gambling ... and with today's Supreme Court decision that will soon open the floodgates of sports betting across America, the WNBA should wholeheartedly embrace this opportunity -- at least if it wants to elevate its popularity.

The WNBA should not only cooperate with those firms that handle sports betting, it should make it as easy as possible for bettors to have the information needed to, say, bet on the outcome of the first quarter, or even on who will win the opening tip. There should be avenues for gamblers to bet on everything from the next missed free throw to the number of three-pointers attempted each game.

Of course other leagues will do the same thing, but the WNBA should be a leader in this area, especially since gambling on baseball is pretty much the only other option for most of the season.

This is a tremendous opportunity for the league -- though there are risks, given the relatively low pay of the players and officials -- and hopefully it will be taken full advantage of.

_________________
Oṃ Tāre Tuttāre Ture Svāhā

[Shades]

What do you consider FanDuel, just a fun way to lose money?

_________________
Nnekalonians 1:14 - Thou shalt not accept that which is not earned

[Carol Anne]

IMO, gambling is just another way for people to throw money away. I hope the WNBA stays away.

[calbearman76]

There is little question that sports gambling has been given a big boost today by the Supreme Court. The WNBA is in very good position to take advantage of this, but it must be careful in how it proceeds. From a gambling standpoint the most important thing is to make clear, specific statements about injuries. The W should formalize a daily injury report, allowing the public to know the status of players for the day's game by noon Eastern time. If a player is questionable, give updates when more is known, and have a central repository for the information.

The WNBA and MLS are the only alternatives to MLB during the summer in the US. They are also the most susceptible to game fixing or point shaving, because the players are the lowest paid. If the wagering goes up so will the potential for problems.

The WNBA must be open to all possible new sources of income, but it must also balance those new sources with not disturbing its base. Just as the League has had to balance the lesbian fan base with the family-friendly atmosphere, it must also balance the potential gains from gambling against its core fandom. Whether they can do will determine the W's long term viability.

[RavenDog]

BEWARE: This decision seriously challenges the integrity of the game-especially women's basketball. Officials, coaches, players can easily determine/change the various spreads of a game. It's going to happen...

[pilight]