NCAA Teams Up with Vegas Bookmakers

LAS VEGAS – As reported by the Kansas City Star: "As March Madness and the inevitable gambling it inspires approaches, the NCAA is looking for help from an unlikely, if entirely logical, ally — Las Vegas casino bookmakers.

"A longtime foe of college sports wagering, the NCAA is sending an observer to Las Vegas over the next two weekends, not to spy but to work with sports gambling operators toward what the two sides see as a common goal. Both want honest games.

" 'It does seem like a strange partnership,' said Rachael Newman-Baker, NCAA director for agents, gambling and amateurism activities, 'but when it comes to protecting integrity of the games, we're fighting the same fight.'

"The NCAA's interest in keeping sports free of corruption is obvious. And without confidence that the games are on the level, bettors would turn away and hurt the casinos' profits…"