“This is Rigged.” Poll Reveals Doubts in Utah About Athlete Performance Integrity

In a recent poll, the majority of sports fans in Utah are becoming suspicious of the integrity of the games they watch. The majority in Utah think players help gamblers win bets from time to time.

Polling Insights: Utah's Gambling Perception

The Deseret News/Hinckley Institute Poll looked at how people felt about sports gambling and it mirrored closely to what the nation feels about it. When it came to the belief that athletes alter their play to win bets, over 60% thought it happens.

Specifically 12% said often, 38% sometimes, and 23% said rarely. If the integrity of the game continues to slip for sports fans, will there come a time when major sports become unwatchable?

A Personal Reflection: Impact of Doubt on Viewing Habits

I was watching a baseball game where the umpire called a strike on a pitch that was nearly in the dirt. This resulted in a third out with the bases loaded and a chance to sock away the lead.

There was a time when I would have been hacked at a bad umpire, but with all the talk of point shaving and rigged games, it is hard not to wonder. I stopped watching the game at that point.

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The number of Utahns betting on games has risen with rise of the gambling apps. Maybe this will set off the integrity problem and sports will maintain its interest with sports fans.

I don't gamble on the games and watch for the joy of cheering for my team. The feeling that everything is not straight up on the field is making me less interested.