NBA legend and FanDuel partner Charles Barkley caused a stir by issuing a warning about sports betting. [Image: Shutterstock.com]
Sports betting overload
Philadelphia 76ers star Charles Barkley has warned against an increase in sports betting, warning that multiple betting options could lead to obsessive behavior and possibly match-fixing.
Speaking at a media event ahead of the American Golf of the Century on Wednesday, the former NBA player and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame player said there is “a lot” of sports betting. He focused his attention on the NBA, citing free-throw betting in particular – a market he described as “obsessed”.
Yo, I’m going to miss both free throws.”
Alabamian described a scenario in which the player can match the repair with one of his friends in the stands. Barkley said that if he was taking free throws and was “stupid” then he would look at his friend in the stands and say, “Hey, I’m going to miss those two free throws.”
Barkley has faced some criticism regarding his comments, with observers noting that the former NBA star has made deals with bookmakers in the past, including an ongoing ambassador role with FanDuel.
deviation from the text
Whether Barclay’s concerns are legitimate, it is unusual for a brand ambassador to openly question his company’s industry. FanDuel hired Barkley back in December 2020, nicknamed Jolly Ol ‘Saint Chuck’ at the time.
according to ESPN, citing an NBA owner, Barkley said that in three to five years, the league will make three times what it does today on television revenue due to the betting effect. “When you get to this point, I think it’s really scary,” he explained.
According to research by iSpot.tv. The sports betting ad category has generated $282 million in national television spend over the last nine months. The percentage increase is almost three times higher than the previous period. FanDuel had the highest ad impressions on bets at 34%.
Despite his complaints, Barkley acknowledged that gambling is now part of the sports that is here to stay. “Like I said, the toothpaste came out of the tube, and I don’t know how to get it back in,” Barclay concluded.
Twitter responds
Despite his comments, Barkley has never hidden his enjoyment of gambling. In 2021, he set aside $100,000 for him to finish in the top 70 at the Lake Tahoe Golf Championship. He finished the previous 76er in 76th place but held his money anyway.
The backlash against the hypocritical stance of the NBA star has ignited Twitter. For example, user Jamie Berger noted the former NBA star’s relationship with gambling:
Twitter user JMC summed up the mixed messages as well:
