Jeffrey Kessler Discusses the Integrity of Sports Games with Law360

Winston & Strawn Partner Jeffrey Kessler recently discussed the integrity of sports games played in the top leagues with Law360. 

With the NBA and NFL striking advertising deals with online sportsbooks in recent years, leading to a flood of advertisements and promotions for betting companies throughout their broadcasts, the leagues have attracted increased scrutiny of their officiating due to the millions of dollars that depend on the outcome of the games. Still, Kessler and other lawyers have pointed out that most leagues had constantly been trying to build confidence in the integrity of their games before becoming business partners with betting companies.

Jeffrey noted that leagues’ inherent power structures provide plenty of incentive to keep the game clean. “They are heavily pressured by the players (through their unions) and the teams (who feel aggrieved) to take steps to prevent officiating errors,” he said.

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