Ryan Smith Advocates for Responsible Betting in Sports Amid Rapid Growth

Ryan Smith, owner of both the Utah Jazz and the Mammoth, has voiced his concerns over the increasing prevalence of sports betting and its associated risks. Understanding that betting isn't going away, Smith believes it's vital for leagues to implement effective guardrails to protect consumers.

In a candid discussion with Front Office Sports, Smith reflected on the darker side of gambling, stating, “We all know the risks of gambling. We’ve seen lives destroyed, people destroyed, because of it.” His comments come against the backdrop of a surge in sports betting following the 2018 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that overturned the federal ban. The results have been staggering: in 2022 alone, Americans wagered approximately $167 billion on sports, a staggering increase of around 192% compared to 2021, according to the Urban Institute.

The Ripple Effect of Betting on Players and Coaches

Smith highlighted that it's not just individual bettors experiencing the fallout of gambling; players and coaches are also feeling the heat. He recounted how Jazz head coach Will Hardy receives feedback from fans about in-game decisions that significantly impact betting outcomes. For instance, when Hardy pulls a player just shy of achieving a statistical milestone crucial for someone's bet, the reaction can be intense. “In hoops, you hear it all,” Smith told Dan Roberts of FOS.

This tension is particularly acute in Utah, a state where sports betting remains illegal. A recent ruling allowed state regulators to enforce gambling laws against prediction-market platforms, stirring debate over the future of betting in the region. Smith expressed his mixed feelings, saying, “It’s a little bit like, to what end? But it’s part of the game. We’re not gonna stop it.”

Leagues' Responsibility in the Betting Landscape

Smith’s stance is clear: rather than urging the NBA and NHL to sidestep the topic of betting entirely, he advocates for these leagues to leverage their influence to promote safer betting practices for fans. Both the NBA and NHL are currently taking steps to partner with sportsbooks to facilitate access to crucial league data aimed at upholding the integrity of the games. Currently, the NBA has official partnerships with betting platforms such as DraftKings and FanDuel, as well as several authorized gaming operators including BetMGM and Caesars Sportsbook. The NHL similarly has developed partnerships with ten sportsbooks across the U.S. and Canada.

However, when it comes to prediction markets, the leagues have yet to synchronize their approaches. The NHL recognized Kalshi and Polymarket as official partners back in October, while the NBA is still evaluating its position in this space. Reports indicate the NBA is in discussions to establish agreements that could be finalized before the upcoming regular season. This delay reflects the complexities involved in tightening regulations while trying to embrace the expanding world of gambling.

The Appeal of Gambling and Moderation

Smith insists that his perspective is not driven by the financial incentives associated with these partnerships, but rather by a recognition of how ingrained betting has become in American sports culture. “It is making games a lot more interactive, where there’s a digital component or something to follow,” he explained. The element of having “skin in the game” creates a greater sense of engagement for fans, which Smith acknowledges as a significant draw for many.

Yet, he remains cautious. Smith believes the focus should be on ensuring that the experience of watching and enjoying sports isn't overwhelmed by the betting component. “It’s not going away. I think we need a little more moderation in all of it. You should be able to watch sports without having to always have too much there, but I also see the appeal because it’s super fun for people.”

As the sports betting landscape continues to evolve, the dialogue surrounding responsible practices remains crucial. With leagues poised to play a significant role in shaping this environment, the coming years will likely determine not just how betting is integrated into the world of sports, but also how the experience can be enhanced without compromising the integrity of the game.