Wanna Bet?

G'day Tragics,

Since the day man first bet on two flies crawling up a wall, Australians have loved a punt.  Initially it was purely the gee gees and dogs, but over time sports betting has exploded into a billion dollar industry that in my opinion has changed the face of sport forever.

Before I continue, I love a little bet on sport.  I am the proud CEO of a little punters club...."hi fellas", so the intention of this weeks post is not to be hypocritical...just opinionated and of course cool.  There are certain elements of sports betting that are bringing the greedy, greasy grubs out of the woodwork.  These wankers are doing their best to tarnish the credibility of some of the games we love.

Let's start with micro-betting.  Betting on no-balls, wides, first point scored or Thorpey wearing dick togs in his comeback swim?  These sort of bets are wide open to corruption, as the Pakistani lads have shown repeatedly.  Betting on miniscule events, that can be so easily manipulated by a dodgy sportsman are ridiculous and like the idea of a night AFL grand final, should be thrown on the scrap heap.

What gets on my goat, is when cheats do break the rules and doctor a sporting event; all they get is a slap on the wrist and are told:
"You are a very bad boy/girl.  Don't do it again or you will get a smack on the bot bot".
If found guilty of sporting bastardry, it should be an instant life ban with all the trimmings (meaning a kick in the nads if male...hair pull for the girls).

Cricket is a sport that is heavily punted on, especially in the sub-continent.  When an upset or an unusual result occurs, you can't help but wonder whether something fishy has gone on.  You hate yourself for thinking it, but unfortunatley cricket has become that of Johnny Howards bowling action...a tangled mess.

I'd hate to think that one day I'll be doubting the credibility of  the NBL, AFL or even the netball.  Cycling has been butchered by drugs.  Can other sports be crushed by gambling.  I bloody well hope not!

We, the fans are the big losers in all this.  We are being tempted to throw our cash away on stupid bets:

What will Ben Cousins do next?
- Join the Wiggles $51
- Run for parliament $27
- Become a male stripper $10
- Continue to be a tool $1.50


Have a go at that one....I know you want to...ha!.. It's a disgrace.  This bet is made up, but mad punters have crazier punting options thrust upon them every minute of ever day.  What happened to backing the winners and losers?  Must be too boring...who cares if it produces a fair dinkum, legitimate contest. 
Fans can also be reamed by paying to go and watch something that's result may or may not have been pre-determined.  The thought of it makes me be a little bit sick in my mouth.  I'm sure it happens. 

Live betting is another pile of pooh.  Betting on things after they have started. Hmmmm, just talking about it seems seedy.  Imagine the late odds of  the Brisbane Roar in this years A-League Grand Final.  Do we really want amazing comebacks like theirs opened up to scrutity.  I'll answer that one...no!

As I said, I love a bet, but I'm thinking we should settle down and put an emergency brake on the sports betting industry.  There is definitely room for a flutter on sports; it can add that extra spice and excitement to the experience, but... if things get out of control, it could one day spell the end of this amazing blog....and all sport in general......Bloody Tragic.