Most of the bowl games are over except the big ones. Who will be the next National Champion of Collegiate Football? Who will win the Super Bowl? Does anyone know how much money is spent betting on these games? From the small time bookies to all other legal and illegal betting sites it’s estimated that over $70 Billion (that’s with a B) will likely be laid on the line when all is said and done.

The Super Bowl and NFL season alone outperform every other sport for sports betting operations each year, with college football bowl games seeing massive action in the US. Those betting on the NFL are typically active week to week, meaning steady action for the operators. An estimated $100 billion is wagered at legal sportsbooks during the NFL season, with billions wagered on the Super Bowl alone in the US. While not as popular as the NFL, NCAA College Football games still generate hundreds of millions for sports betting operators throughout the year.

I was never into sports betting, several years ago I used to make a friendly wager here and there, but never had the urge to try and figure out who was going to win. It seemed to me that there were always too many obstacles in the way, it was like every time you had a chance at winning something happened. Someone would get hurt, someone would get traded, there would be a coach change or some last minute miracle play would change the score. It was always something that kept you from winning. Then of course if you did win, you wanted to continue betting every time there was a game and soon you were back in the hole again. So for me it was a no brainer, stay away from the betting!

But, legalized sports betting in college sports has brought about notable changes, including an increase in fan engagement, creating an atmosphere of excitement, energy and enthusiasm and beneficial outcomes. Since sports betting became mostly legal, the result has been higher attendance at games and higher television ratings. I’m not sure the average fan who just wants to see their team win has benefitted, but as we all know money talks and for the betting industry that is all that matters.

However, legal sports betting does generate economic benefits, which creates revenue for all sorts of things including youth sports, upgrading facilities and equipment for underprivileged athletes. On the down side of betting is the impact it has on individuals and families who can’t afford it, but get caught up in the excitement and become victims to gaming addiction. I remember a time in the not too distant past when nearly all sports betting was illegal. Bookies would run from city to city picking up the spot sheets. That was about the only way to wager. It was controlled from places like Pittsburgh and Cleveland and then spread out to areas like Wheeling, Clarksburg, and Parkersburg. From there runners would hit the small communities. You would get your ticket each week from the local guy, place your bets and win or lose go at it again the next week.

Things sure have changed, now anything you want to bet on can be accomplished through your cell-phone. The accessibility of betting has driven up viewership and resulted in larger crowds at college sporting events. This broader engagement has been essential in building a more invested fanbase, which supports athletic programs through ticket sales and broadcast revenues. Platforms hosting betting activities continue to play a significant role in shaping fan interaction with college athletics. With the expansion of legal sports betting, institutions like the NCAA have prioritized educating student-athletes about the risks associated with betting. Workshops and training sessions raise awareness of potential pitfalls, helping student-athletes navigate the sports betting atmosphere responsibly. Additionally, regulatory and compliance measures bolster the integrity of college sports reducing the risk of corruption. Companies employ cutting-edge technology to detect and prevent corruption, upholding the integrity of college sports competitions.

One of the all-time favorite sports betting events has been horse racing, which saw the most widespread popularity throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Bookies realized huge fortunes from the sport, and although it’s still popular it has decreased steadily since the 1930’s.

In 1919 the World Series known as the ‘Black Box Scandal’ exposed the risk of betting on professional baseball. Players were found to have fixed the games at the request of gamblers, but no one seemed to care as betting continued to increase in popularity while the bookies’ pockets continued to get fatter.

Do you know what sport has had the all-time most money bet on it? If I was a betting man I would say Football, however statistics show that baseball leads the way. Followed by college football and then the NFL.

Again, I’m not a betting man, but if I was, one thing I would bet on is; sports from pro to high school will continue to grow larger and larger as betting becomes easier and easier.

Most of the college bowl games are over, however the semi-finals and the national championship games are still to come. Watching Ohio State takedown Oregon in the Rose Bowl makes me believe they have the upper hand in the semi’s, and should be the favorite to win it all. I’ve been wrong a few times, but this time I think I’m right. Two big games in the next two nights will decide who will play on January 20, for all the marbles.

Local sports action is back in full force since the Holidays are over. Coming up next week, January 16-18 is one of the biggest events of the season as the Ron Mauck OVAC Wrestling tournament kicks off at Wesbanco Arena. The event draws teams from up and down the Ohio Valley and provides three days of wrestling excitement.

Congratulations to Valley high schools Gavin Derby on becoming the schools All-Time basketball scoring leader. Derby is one of the best overall athletes to come from this area in a long time. He is a first team All-State football and basketball player and excels in track as well.

Several area wrestlers look like they could bring home state championships this year. Tyler Consolidated’s Colsen Spragg and Branson Winfrey have just one loss each this season, and Eliana Winfrey was state champion last year and will likely repeat this March. Spragg has recently won his 100th match and Winfrey is close to getting his 100th.

The New Martinsville Rotary Challenge Basketball event is just a couple weeks away. Make plans to attend and see some great high school talent. It kicks off on Friday evening January 24 and ends Saturday evening the 25th. This year the Rotary Challenge has expanded to two days for the first time. There will be some great high school games. Come out and enjoy while supporting your local Rotary Club.