Review Journal
In the past, NBA commissioner David Stern always was arrogant when he spoke of Las Vegas’ sports books. His attitude could change now that he has been humbled and needs to reach out for help.
Blindsided by a gambling scandal, the NBA front office needs answers and is getting an assist from Ken White, oddsmaker and chief operating officer for Las Vegas Sports Consultants.
White has been researching betting trends involving former referee Tim Donaghy, who allegedly wagered on and conspired to fix the outcome of NBA games he officiated during the past two seasons.
Eventually, the league might seek a formal consulting arrangement from LVSC.
“We are going to try to work something out so we can work together,” White said. “We’re looking to build that relationship, and of course we’ll turn over anything we find to the NBA and the FBI.
“We want to make sure if something like this happens in the future, we catch it early, and that’s the NBA’s hope.”
Art Manteris, vice president of sports book operations for Station Casinos, has served as a consultant to the league on a variety of issues for the past 10 years. He said he recommended White and other colleagues to the NBA for consulting work.
“I think highly of Kenny, a talented guy and a very conscientious guy,” Manteris said. “He’s in a very unique position to provide some good ideas and good oversight of the issues we’re discussing.
“The message that we as an industry need to send is we’re on the same side as the NBA and law enforcement in how to protect the game.”
White said he is willing to be a watchdog for the NBA despite it being a tricky position.
Rest is here…https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/oddsmakers-new-line-helping-nba/
