The SEC is set to discuss a potential change to pregame roster management practices, commissioner Greg Sankey said this week. The news could have a major impact on the gambling world.
The league’s ties to ESPN suggest that the move could be partially driven by the network, which recently unveiled its own sports betting app.
ESPN Bet was launched less than a year ago in partnership with PENN Entertainment as the conglomerate’s replacement for Barstool Sportsbook. Since, sport’s “worldwide leader” has done its best to successfully navigate both advertisement and segment implementation in the new era of legal betting.
There have certainly been hiccups, one of which featured College Gameday’s Rece Davis in his careless suggestion of the “risk-free” advice being offered by company experts.
Still, the network has continued moving forward in pushing its sportsbook to followers.
Look no further than the ESPN website and app, which now not only makes game lines readily available to the casual user, but also offers easy access to its sportsbook through direct links.
Gambling is top of mind with any and all content being pushed by the company, and many believe that influence is now trickling down to one of ESPN’s college football partners.
SEC football to discuss major pregame change with gambling impact.
Greg Sankey, speaking to a group here in Destin before SEC meetings begin Tuesday, says the SEC will hold conversations this week about the possible implementation of college athlete “availability reports” leading up to games.
The ol injury report thing might finally happen.
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger)
The league is set to “hold conversations about the possible implementation of college athlete ‘availability reports’ leading up to games,” according to insider Ross Delinger.
Essentially, coaches will have to reveal the playing status of roster members ahead of kickoff, and likely a day or two in advance.
How could it affect gambling? Quite easily.
We’ve all seen football coaches lead opposition or media to believe that, say, a starting quarterback is ready to go after being banged up the week prior, only to then trot the backup onto the field for the first series.
In those cases, bets placed on said team – with the belief that the offense would be at full strength – are at an immediate disadvantage.
Lines would now reflect the odds of a team’s supposed chances with injuries in mind.
We’ve seen it done in the NFL, impacting both betting and fantasy football leagues. No longer can you play a mind game with an opponent to keep them second guessing on that star player’s availability.
College football fans immediately reacted to the news.
“You’ve got to do it for the gambling aspect.”
“That’s pretty big news. Gambling always exerts a little pressure.”
“This is solely because of sports betting.”
“Gamblers calling the shots now.”
The SEC and ESPN are set to begin the first year of a 10-year deal that runs through 2033-34. There’s no denying the timing of this announcement is intriguing.
Legal sports betting’s role in NCAA athletics continues to grow!
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