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

I could see situations where someone might overextend themselves or their teammates in some way that would trade short term gain for long term harm.

Also, perception is an issue. Once it’s known that you’re placing bets, then you kind of have to assume you’re placing all sorts of bets.