Eli5: Why are professional athletes typically banned from placing bets that are in favor of their own team/themselves?

Question

I understand why you would not want athletes to throw games on purpose if they place a large bet for the opposing team to win, however let’s say I am a pitcher in baseball, and I place a bet for my own team to win, wouldn’t that only motivate me to play better because I stand to win more money by doing so?

In: 1352

Answer 1

that’s a good question – marketing?? Makes it harder to monitor?? Casts a shadow on the dark underbelly of society by our superhero’s ?? (Star athletes)

Maybe it will take precedent to woo! Go team! Idunno.