Athletes' confidence, competitiveness explain willingness and risk to bet on own games, experts say


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The executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling says he's not surprised about half of the Iowa and Iowa State athletes charged in a state gambling investigation are suspected of making wagers on their own games. Keith Whyte says much of the psychology of sports betting revolves around knowledge of the game and belief in one's skill. Whyte says the closer an athlete is to the action, the more he may think the bet is a sure thing. Surveys show expanded gambling and mobile apps making it easy to place bets has made it popular for college-aged people.

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Eric Olson

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