Borghesi, R., & Dare, W. (2009). A test of the widespread-point-shaving theory. Finance Research Letters, 6(3), 115-121. 10.1016/j.frl.2009.04.004

Background: The article “A test of the widespread-point-shaving theory” presents a study that examines the theory of widespread point-shaving in sports. The authors, Borghesi and Dare, use statistical analysis to test the hypothesis that point-shaving is a widespread problem in college basketball. The study finds that while there are isolated incidents of point-shaving, there is no evidence to support the theory that point-shaving is a widespread problem in college basketball. The study provides valuable insights into the prevalence of point-shaving in sports and the potential impact of such activity on the integrity of the game.

How I used it: I used the study presented in this article to provide evidence for or against the theory of widespread point-shaving in sports, depending on the context and specific question being asked. The findings of the study could also be used to inform discussions on the prevalence and impact of point-shaving in sports, as well as potential interventions to prevent or address it.

Major League Baseball. (n.d.). MLB’s Policy on Gambling. Retrieved April 24, 2023, from https://www.mlb.com/gambling-policy

Background: Major League Baseball (MLB) is a professional baseball organization and the oldest of the major professional sports leagues in the United States and Canada. The league is composed of 30 teams in the United States and Canada and is divided into two leagues: the American League (AL) and the National League (NL). The MLB is responsible for setting policies and regulations to govern the conduct of its players, coaches, and other personnel. Its policy on gambling is an important aspect of maintaining the integrity of the league and ensuring that its games are not compromised by outside influences.

How I used it: This source provides information on Major League Baseball’s policy on gambling, which is an important aspect of the topic of gambling and sports integrity. It outlines the league’s rules and regulations related to gambling and highlights the consequences for violating these policies. This information can be useful in understanding how a major sports league like MLB is working to maintain the integrity of its games and protect against potential corruption related to gambling.

National Basketball Association. (n.d.). NBA Anti-Gambling Policy. Retrieved April 24, 2023, from https://www.nba.com/news/nba-anti-gambling-policy

Background: The National Basketball Association (NBA) Anti-Gambling Policy is a set of rules and regulations designed to prevent gambling and other related activities that could compromise the integrity of the league. The policy applies to all NBA personnel, including players, coaches, team owners, league officials, and referees. The NBA has been very proactive in addressing issues related to gambling and has taken several steps to protect the integrity of its games, including partnering with sports betting companies to promote responsible gambling and establishing a confidential hotline for reporting any suspected violations of the policy. The NBA’s anti-gambling policy is an important source of information for understanding how professional sports leagues address the issue of gambling and maintain the integrity of their games.

How I used it: This source provides information on the NBA’s anti-gambling policy. I used it to gather information on the NBA’s policies and regulations regarding sports betting and gambling and to gain insight into the league’s stance on maintaining integrity in their games.

NCAA. (2022). NCAA sports wagering. https://www.ncaa.org/sport-science-institute/ncaa-sports-wagering

Background: The NCAA is a major governing body for college sports in the United States and their policies on sports wagering are important in understanding the rules and regulations surrounding gambling in college sports. This source was used to provide information on the NCAA’s policy on sports wagering, which includes strict regulations and penalties for student-athletes, coaches, and athletic staff who engage in gambling activities. Additionally, the NCAA provides resources for education and awareness on sports wagering to prevent potential violations of their policies.

How I used it: I used this source to gain information about the NCAA’s policy on sports wagering. The source provides a clear and concise overview of the policy, including the prohibition of sports wagering by student-athletes, coaches, and athletic department staff, as well as the potential consequences of violating the policy. This information was useful in understanding the NCAA’s stance on sports wagering and its efforts to maintain the integrity of college athletics.

Purdum, David (2021, September 22). Explaining point-shaving in sports. https://www.espn.com/chalk/story/_/id/17858543/explaining-point-shaving-sports

Background: The article provides an overview of point-shaving in sports, which is the practice of deliberately losing a game or not winning by as many points as possible to manipulate the point spread and benefit those who bet on the outcome of the game. Purdum explains how point-shaving works, the potential consequences for those involved, and the measures that sports leagues and law enforcement agencies have put in place to prevent and detect point-shaving. The article draws on interviews with experts in the field and real-world examples of point-shaving scandals in various sports.

How I used it: I included this source because it provides an explanation of point-shaving, which is a form of game-fixing that involves players deliberately trying to manipulate the score of a game in order to ensure that it falls within a specific point spread. The article also discusses the potential impact of point-shaving on the integrity of sports and the steps that leagues take to prevent it. This information is relevant to understanding the issue of sports integrity and how it is addressed in the sports industry.

The National Law Review. (2019). What Professional Sports Leagues are Doing to Prevent Game-Fixing and Betting-Related Corruption.

Background: The National Law Review is a legal news and analysis website that covers various topics, including sports law. In 2019, the website published an article titled “What Professional Sports Leagues are Doing to Prevent Game-Fixing and Betting-Related Corruption.” The article provides an overview of the measures that professional sports leagues in the United States, including the NFL, NBA, and MLB, have taken to prevent game-fixing and betting-related corruption.

How I used it: I used this source to gain an understanding of the actions that professional sports leagues are taking to address the issue of corruption in sports. The article highlights the various policies and procedures that these leagues have implemented, such as background checks, training programs, and the establishment of integrity units. The article also discusses the challenges that these leagues face in preventing corruption, such as the rise of online betting and the need for greater collaboration between leagues and law enforcement agencies. This source is valuable because it provides an overview of the steps being taken by professional sports leagues to address the issue of corruption, which is important in understanding the current state of efforts to promote integrity in sports.

National Football League. (2021). NFL’s Commitment to Integrity of the Game.

Background: The National Football League (NFL) is one of the most popular and influential professional sports leagues in the world. As such, it has a responsibility to maintain the integrity of the game and prevent any actions that might compromise it. The NFL’s “Commitment to Integrity of the Game” is a document that outlines the league’s policies and procedures for ensuring the integrity of the game.

How I used it: I used this source to gain insight into the measures that the NFL has taken to ensure the integrity of its games. The document outlines the various steps that the league has taken, including the establishment of a confidential hotline for reporting suspected violations, the use of advanced technology to detect irregularities, and collaboration with law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute any illegal activities. This source is valuable because it provides information on the specific measures that the NFL has taken to protect the integrity of its games and shows the league’s commitment to maintaining fair and honest competition.

Transparency International UK. (2013). Sports Betting and Corruption: The Threat to the Integrity of Sport.

Background: Transparency International is a global organization that is dedicated to promoting transparency and accountability in various areas of society, including sports. The organization’s UK chapter published a report titled “Sports Betting and Corruption: The Threat to the Integrity of Sport” in 2013. The report examines the threat that corruption in sports betting poses to the integrity of sports and highlights the need for measures to address the problem.

How I used it: I used this source to gain an understanding of the ways in which corruption in sports betting can undermine the integrity of sports. The report provides detailed information on the various forms of corruption that can occur, such as match-fixing, spot-fixing, and insider trading, and the impact that they can have on the credibility of sports. The report also discusses the regulatory frameworks that exist in various countries and provides recommendations for improving them. This source is valuable because it highlights the importance of addressing the issue of corruption in sports betting and provides a comprehensive analysis of the problem.

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. (2014). Preventing Corruption in Sport: Enhancing the Role of Governments.

Background: The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s report titled “Preventing Corruption in Sport: Enhancing the Role of Governments” provides a comprehensive overview of the role of governments in preventing corruption in sports. The report examines the various forms of corruption that can occur in sports, including match-fixing, doping, and bribery, and outlines the ways in which governments can work to prevent these activities.

How I used this: I used this source to gain a broader understanding of the role of governments in preventing corruption in sports. The report provides a detailed overview of the various strategies that governments can use to combat corruption in sports, including legislative and regulatory measures, law enforcement and prosecution, and international cooperation. The source is particularly valuable because it highlights the importance of collaboration between governments, sports organizations, and other stakeholders in preventing corruption in sports. Overall, this source was helpful in providing context for the various ways in which governments can work to prevent corruption in sports and the challenges involved in doing so.

University of Louisville. (2016, November 15). Study finds student-athletes from disadvantaged backgrounds more likely to cheat. ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/11/161115165556.html

Background: The University of Louisville study referenced in ScienceDaily’s article titled “Study finds student-athletes from disadvantaged backgrounds more likely to cheat” examines the relationship between socioeconomic status and cheating among student-athletes. The study found that student-athletes from disadvantaged backgrounds were more likely to engage in academic misconduct, such as plagiarism and cheating on exams, than their more affluent peers.

How I used it: I used this source to gain a deeper understanding of the factors that contribute to cheating among student-athletes. The study’s findings provide insight into the role that socioeconomic status plays in academic misconduct, suggesting that students from disadvantaged backgrounds may be more likely to cheat due to a lack of access to resources and support. The article’s focus on the academic side of cheating is also significant since academic misconduct and ethical violations in sports often go hand in hand. Overall, this source was helpful in providing context for the potential social and economic factors that contribute to cheating among student-athletes.

Wolfers, J. (2006, January 22). Cheating by the Book. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/22/business/yourmoney/22view.html

Background: Wolfers’ article “Cheating by the Book” in The New York Times offers an overview of cheating in sports and its impact. The article discusses various forms of cheating in sports, including doping, match-fixing, and point-shaving, and the consequences of these actions. It explores the various factors that contribute to cheating in sports, including the pressures of competition, financial incentives, and the culture of winning at all costs.

How I used it: I used this source to gain a broader understanding of cheating in sports and its impact. The article provided me with an overview of the various forms of cheating that take place in sports and the potential consequences of these actions. It also offered insight into the factors that contribute to cheating and how they can be addressed. The article was particularly useful in providing a broader context for understanding the impact of cheating on sports, both in terms of its impact on the integrity of the game and its broader social and cultural implications.

Wolohan, J. T. (2009). Sports betting in the United States. The International Sports Law Journal, (3-4), 124+. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A249138225/AONE?u=anon~a3394f08&sid=googleScholar&xid=b2bff82f – This source examines the state of sports betting in the United States.

Background: Wolohan’s article on sports betting in the United States provided me with background information on the legal status of sports betting in the country. The article explored the history of sports betting, including the passage of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) and its impact on sports betting. It also examined the potential economic benefits of legalized sports betting and discussed the legal challenges that have arisen in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn PASPA in 2018.

How I used it: This source was useful in helping me to understand the legal and regulatory landscape of sports betting in the United States, as well as the potential implications of its legalization. It provided me with a comprehensive overview of the history of sports betting in the country and the various legal and regulatory challenges that have arisen in the wake of recent developments in the industry.