Legal NBA Gambling in the Cards?

David Stern, NBA Commissioner, went against the grain, when airing his thoughts on the likelihood of future betting on the NBA.

During an interview with SI.com, Stern, who is known for his forward thinking stance, was asked whether it was in the interests of his league to seek legalization of sports betting. His answer raised more than a few eyebrows:
"It has been a matter of league policy to answer that question, ‘no,'" said Stern, "but I think that that league policy was formulated at a time when gambling was far less widespread - even legally."

A Changing Environment
He referred to the expansion of gambling laws by different states as a tactic to boost the struggling economy. As gambling gains more international acceptance, arguments of immorality are gradually dwindling and there are a few more listening ears willing to consider a new direction for the industry.

A Personal, not Organizational View
During the interview Stern recognized that sports betting could create new revenues for the NBA. He acknowledged that gambling has moved into the mainstream and referred to legalized NBA gambling as a "possibility" that "may be a huge opportunity."

Stern was giving his own personal views during the interview and the official NBA position remains one of opposition towards NBA gambling.