CA, US & World
Sports Gambling Scandals Rock Pro Leagues, But Lucrative Betting Deals Likely to Stay
Another wave of sports betting scandals has shaken professional leagues in the United States, following the arrests of an NBA coach and a current player accused of ties to illegal gambling and rigged poker games. But despite renewed controversy, experts say the lucrative ties between sports organizations and sportsbook companies aren’t going anywhere.
Victor Matheson, an economics professor at the College of the Holy Cross, says sponsorships between major leagues and legal sportsbooks bring in more than $1 billion annually. These deals have become essential to team and league finances, he explained, and are not something anyone is eager to give up.
Since a 2018 Supreme Court ruling allowed states to legalize sports gambling, leagues from the NFL to the NBA have embraced betting partnerships, some even hosting physical betting lounges inside stadiums. Legal wagers on sports reached $160 billion last year, generating $13.7 billion in gross revenue, according to the American Gaming Association.
Author Michael Lewis, whose podcast “Against the Rules” recently examined the gambling boom, says the revenue isn’t just from sponsorships. Betting drives advertising, boosts game viewership, and increases broadcast rights fees — all critical revenue streams for professional sports. “It’s a way to keep fans engaged in meaningless games,” Lewis said.
While the NCAA still bans betting on college sports, it recently allowed athletes to wager on professional games. Even so, the college sports world benefits indirectly from gambling interest, especially during March Madness, when fans bet billions on tournament brackets.
Experts warn that leagues risk undermining trust if scandals continue. Jonathan D. Cohen, author of “Losing Big: America’s Reckless Bet on Sports Gambling,” said leagues entered the betting boom too quickly. “It just speaks to this sort of recklessness with which we dove in,” he told CNN.
Despite the risks, the money behind legal sports betting is too substantial to ignore. As Lewis put it, “We’re not at the place where people are genuinely questioning the integrity of the sport — but we’re not that far away.”
Credit: CNN Newsource
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: CNN Newsource
October 25, 2025
Latest Instagram Posts
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1 Silias Bloodworth with the scoop and score, 2) Eusebio Gallo with the kickoff touchdown, 3) Keymorie Rogers with the throw on the run, 4) Damian Durinzi with the rushing TD, or 5) Mario Gallo with the dot towards the endzone #fypage #fridaynightlights #football #hondaofthedesert #highschoolfootball
Hundreds gathered outside the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., for the “Hands Around the Kennedy Center” rally, protesting President Donald Trump’s handling of the performing arts center. The demonstration came after the Kennedy Center board voted to close the facility for repairs and amid an ongoing dispute over the center’s future. Actress and singer Lynda Carter was among those who addressed the crowd. apnews.com Watch the latest video on NBC Palm Springs.
Alice B. has announced it’s closing its doors. It’s cozy atmosphere and unique seasonal menu made it a must try and even landed it in the Michelin guide. @susanfeniger and @marysuemilliken left their mark on the desert over at Living Out and it will be missed. Here’s a clip from one of our last interviews with Susan.
Cathedral City City Council votes to rename “LGBT+ Days” to “Cathedral City Pride”. The council approved the change in a 5-0 vote during its latest meeting, updating the official name of the city’s annual celebration. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs to see what this means to the Coachella Valley Community #CathedralCity #pride #CityCouncil #CoachellaValley #LocalNews
Discover the Coachella Valley with the Everything Palm Springs app. From iconic attractions and hidden gems to local restaurants, shops, entertainment and even filming locations, the map-based app is designed to help both visitors and locals find more of what the desert has to offer. Creator Lindsay Kinkle is also expanding the app with video tours and narrated guides, giving users another way to explore Palm Springs and the surrounding communities. Local businesses like Buena Matcha are also getting a chance to connect with new customers through the platform. As Lindsay says, there’s so much to do and enjoy here — you just have to know where to look. #PalmSprings #CoachellaValley #EverythingPalmSprings #PalmSpringsApp #VisitPalmSprings DesertLife LocalBusiness CoachellaValleyBusiness NBCPalmSprings
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
What’s next for Palm Desert? Join community leaders, local businesses and regional stakeholders for the 2026 State of the City Address. Topics: • Economic Development • Infrastructure • Public Safety • Community Programs • Palm Desert’s Future CTA: Friday, September 18 | 11:30 AM JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort
Former Silvercrest CEO, William Rodriguez is expected back in court today in connection with the deadly 2024 Cathedral City hit and run that killed a woman. The murder charge was dismissed, but Rodriguez still faces felony hit and run and suspended license charges.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
Murder suspect Vicky Kim has once again not been cleared to appear in court. Kim is accused of killing her husband at their Palm Desert condominium complex. Her arraignment has now been delayed three times. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs as we track the latest developments in this case. #VickyKim #PalmDesert #CoachellaValley #BreakingNews #CourtUpdate NBCPalmSprings