NCAA Threatens Delaware on Sports Gambling Plan
The National Collegiate Athletic Association announced it would bar the state of Delaware from hosting college playoff games under its control if the state legalizes sports gambling. The NCAA said neither March Madness playoff sites nor Division I-AA football playoffs would be permitted in Delaware if sports betting becomes legal.
Governor Jack Markell called the threat inconsistent, pointing out that the NCAA sanctions a football bowl game in Las Vegas. Markell has included provisions in the sports gambling bill forbidding wagering on games involving Delaware schools.
The NCAA has used its control of the economic benefits of playoff games to block sports gaming laws in the past. Oregon was strong-armed into removing its sports lottery to qualify for hosting college basketball playoffs.
OCA sports analyst Edmund Crumley said the NCAA action would present a no-win case for everyone. He asserted that the state would lose revenue and prestige from hosting games, while the NCAA would lose Delaware Stadium, a frequent host of Division I-AA games and an ideal venue for the smaller Playoff Division schools.
"In any case, what is the NCAA's long-term position? Sports gambling will likely follow online casinos to nationwide legality. Once New Jersey wins the right to legalize sports betting, it will move to so many states, the NCAA will have to hold every game in Utah or Hawaii," said the sports gambling expert.
