Legendary former Nebraska football coach Tom Osborne is speaking out against the expansion of online sports betting in the state. The 83-year-old coach, who led the Cornhuskers to three national championships during his 25-year tenure, is concerned about the potential negative impacts that widespread online sports betting could have on young people.
In a recent interview with Sportscasting, Osborne expressed his opposition to a proposed bill that would allow for online sports betting in Nebraska. The bill, which is currently being debated in the state legislature, would legalize online sports betting and allow for licensed operators to offer a variety of betting options to state residents.
Osborne, who is a highly respected figure in the state of Nebraska, has long been a vocal advocate for youth development and education. He believes that the widespread availability of online sports betting could have a detrimental impact on young people, who may be more susceptible to developing gambling addictions.
“I have always been concerned about the potential negative effects of gambling, especially on young people,” Osborne said. “In my years of coaching, I saw firsthand how addiction can destroy lives and families. I believe that allowing online sports betting to become so readily available could exacerbate this problem and have far-reaching consequences for our community.”
Osborne’s concerns are supported by research that suggests that young people are particularly vulnerable to developing gambling problems. According to a study published in the Journal of Gambling Studies, adolescents are at a higher risk of developing gambling addictions compared to adults. This is due in part to their developing brains, which are more susceptible to the addictive effects of gambling.
In addition to his concerns about the impact on young people, Osborne also worries about the potential for online sports betting to compromise the integrity of sports. He cited the recent scandal involving the Houston Astros and their use of electronic sign-stealing as an example of how technology can be used to gain an unfair advantage in sports.
“We have already seen how technology can be used to cheat in sports,” Osborne said. “I fear that the widespread availability of online sports betting could create even more opportunities for corruption and manipulation. We must prioritize the integrity of sports and ensure that they remain fair and competitive.”
Despite his opposition to online sports betting, Osborne acknowledges that it is ultimately up to the state legislature to decide whether or not to legalize it in Nebraska. However, he urges lawmakers to consider the potential consequences and to prioritize the well-being of young people and the integrity of sports.
“I understand that the decision to legalize online sports betting is complex and multifaceted,” Osborne said. “But I implore our lawmakers to carefully consider the implications and to prioritize the welfare of our community, especially our young people. We must be vigilant in protecting them from the potential harms of gambling addiction and ensure that sports remain a fair and honest competition.”
