thamadkant wrote:Revived wrote:I think sports betting influences games more than ever before. Probably one of the most lucrative jobs to have in the world right now is a ref for professional sports in America. Under the table money without having to pay a dime in taxes for it? Incredible!
Definitely.
People can be corrupted and referees are definitely targets for gambling companies. NBA referees and all officials of other sports should have their income/life style monitored. Question any non traceable income, especially through side investments that normal people would not make a lot of money from.
I seriously doubt any referees are gambling on games. You'd have to bet a LOT to risk your career and reputation. And after the huge scandal there is no way.
Not to mention it's a federal crime and they'd go to jail.
And to your comment about gambling companies targeting referees. Gambling companies surely don't want games fixed, plus, Revived mentions under the table betting which would mean it's likely with non licensed gamblers (old school bookies).
But if a referee made a bunch of money off a gambling company (bookie) why would the gambling company contact them?
It's a risk for one referee to try and do it too as opposed to a whole team which would be improbable.
Anyway, the bigger issue in sports in the past has been for players/boxers point shaving or going down early, etc.