The ethics of sports gambling: Geoff’s Journal

Earlier this year, we saw the news out of the NBA involving federal charges and arrests.

Initially seeing the news, I wasn’t surprised to hear something like this could possibly happen. However, when something like this makes headlines, it’s quite shocking to think an athlete could possibly jeopardize their career – and potentially face charges – over an alleged scheme to make money that way. 

When money gets involved in betting, it can ruin everything. 

It just doesn’t make sense. Athletes, especially basketball players, make a lot of money. They are paid substantially to play their game and be involved in the sport they have a lot of passion for.

Nowadays, people who race in NASCAR and work for either the teams or NASCAR undergo extensive training to protect the integrity of the sport.

Back when I raced full-time, we didn’t have gambling/ethics training like those in the sport have today.

The landscape was much different, though. It’s only with changes to the law in the last few years that sports betting and gambling has been prominent outside of Las Vegas.

I hope NASCAR is never hit with even the possibility of a betting scandal.

Formula 1 drivers, IndyCar, short track racers across the country… I don’t know any racecar driver who doesn’t want to win when they go out on the track. 

Would a driver throw a race for money? I don’t think so. 

Racers have a ton of pride and honor. They’ve worked so hard to get to the top and know the hard work that goes into the preparation and getting their racecars ready. 

On the contrary, even if I could have bet on myself to win a race, I wouldn’t have. There are too many variables with racing: flat tires, blown engines, crashes, the weather… the list goes on.

Plus, you know you’re not out there by yourself. Too many things can happen.

Today, they release betting lines for the races throughout the week and the broadcasters talk about them.

Truthfully, I don’t know how all those numbers work, I’m not a good gambler! When I used to go to Vegas, I used to play the slots. That’s easy! Put the money in, pull the lever and push the button.

Bottom line. We all need money. Unfortunately, it can make people do bad things. It’s not just sports. It’s drugs, it’s stealing… you could go on.

The only sure bet I know of in racing is that everything is unsure.

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The only other sure bet I know of is being able to get an autographed copy of “All of It,” my tell-all autobiography about my time in racing, faith journey, and more.

We still have copies available and I’d be happy to sign yours. You can order yours at the Team Bodine website.