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Although applicable to all sports, I have specifically criticized football’s officiating for years. Seven referees, many with decades of experience, oversee the entire field. It is rare when the on-air television analysts and ex- officiating experts have nothing to say during the four 15-minute quarters. They either criticize the refs for ignoring an obvious


player penalty or lament a player and/or team being penalized for something not even done. Their comments are sometimes brief, but occasional strong statements ensure the audience understands the importance of these omissions or mistakes. Why does the National Football League (NFL) still use those officials who have frequently missed the mark? As a lifelong football fan, Norman used to say it is a “fact of football life” and usually balances out in the end. In other words, these missed infractions usually countered those overlooked. Another explanation was that these referees would be passed over to work the final playoffs or Super Bowl competitions. I have never accepted that reasoning. These mistakes could influence the season’s outcome and inaccuracies could also promote or damage an individual player’s career. Sadly, accountability is often lacking. Where are the head honchos in New York City who hear the analysts’ comments across all major networks? In January, the competition comes down to the “nitty gritty” as the NFL focuses on which two teams are the best of the best to compete in the Super Bowl. Why does this accountability matter now more than


ever? Simply put, legalizing sports betting in 2018 changed the landscape and attracted millions of new customers. Hundreds of casinos have invested in developing online and in-person programs while also spending millions in property upgrades and construction. Last year, American Gaming Association (AGA)


President Bill Miller described the $4.3 billion bet on the 2021 Super Bowl by 23.2 million Americans as “the largest single-event legal handle in American sports betting history.” Of those gamblers, almost 7.6 million bet online, up 63% from 2020. Conditions must be ideal when customers bet their


hard-earned money and believe they are wagering on games with integrity. No one wants to think it even remotely possible that the “fix is in” behind the scenes. I am not accusing anyone or even hinting at this scenario, but perception can sometimes overcome reality. Prior to legalized sports betting, people accepted the risks at their local bookies, office pools or questionable offshore operations. Now, they need complete transparency. We have all seen those gamblers who lose, only to


desperately continue to play with the hopes of recouping their losses. It rarely works out and may lead to compulsive gambling problems. Media sports betting advertising has exploded this


year, bordering on oversaturation. Companies hope constant promotion of their betting sites will lure more gamblers. The flip side is that too much could turn


people off. Who knows what is the right balance? The constant advertisements, celebrity endorsements and iconic figures representing individual gaming sites have made it impossible to ignore their message. They all subtly claim that their sites are for winners, which could undermine the resolve to bet responsibly for anyone on the edge of gambling addiction. At the December 2021 SBC Summit North America in


New Jersey, Miller voiced concerns that this year’s unprecedented onslaught of sports betting ads could activate a backlash against the industry. He warned of possibly facing burdensome


government restrictions similar to Europe. Italy has a total ban and Spain’s prohibits advertising on players’ jerseys or in a stadium’s name. England has a “whistle- to-whistle” ad blackout during a game’s broadcasting. Even in a free-speech, free-enterprise culture, too


much can be just too much. Cigarette ads, once among Madison Avenue’s most profitable staple in New York City, disappeared in the 1960s. Today, beer and alcohol advertisements appear across all media, but have definite regulations. Before the bombardment of new technologies,


customers still had to physically call or travel to a game room or racetrack to place a bet. No more, as this revolutionary technology is exactly what can trick and trap an unwitting player. Because online and sports betting is so new, there is


sparse research into its gambling addiction potential. Little of the $6.7 billion paid in state taxes by commercial casinos has been allocated to studying these gambling disorders. The industry itself has always assumed that funding role. In these insecure times, I think the gaming companies and state governments should partner to fund and research gambling disorders. That could benefit the industry’s image and also alleviate the societal and healthcare toll they take on a community. I don’t see a downside from taking a practical,


responsible approach to another cultural phenomenon. Sometimes it takes being compelled to act in a certain way to get to the best result.


JANUARY 2022 9


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