The PGA Tour last week unveiled a policy that allows players to sign gambling deals, and while there is an upside, there also is a "dark side" to the Tour's "newfound endorsement of gambling," according to Rex Hoggard of GOLFCHANNEL.com. To prepare for the onset of legalized sports betting, the Tour "initiated an integrity program" in '18 and is "pushing ... to have whatever gambling legislation that is passed to include 'integrity fees.'" The Tour's interest in gambling is "really two-fold," as it also "sees a vast segment of new fans that legalized gambling can bring to the sport." The Tour is "well aware of the hazards of gambling" and has instituted "integrity regulations" to curb them. PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan last week told players, "Protecting our brand and our competition is paramount. We must all remain vigilant in this area. Our brand is 100 percent linked to our reputation." Meanwhile, Hoggard noted most see the "potential for 'action' at Tour events in match-ups, bets that will feature one player against another for a round or tournament." In the cost benefit analysis, the Tour is "betting on that new fan engagement" and the circuit has "gone to great lengths to avoid a potential scandal." Golfer Ernie Els said, "They are opening themselves up and I'm a little fearful of it. Guys are going to have to be careful" (GOLFCHANNEL.com, 3/7).
