A move to the mainstream.
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.
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