Betting on Varsity Cup?

Earlier today I received an e-mail from Brent Graham who runs the Good For The Game and SportsPicks.co.za websites.

The mail was giving some tips on betting on the FNB Varsity Cup fixtures.

Now those who know me will know I am no shrinking violet when it comes to betting. I will take a plug on what colour tie somebody is wearing or whether Gill Marcus is going to be wearing a red tent or a brown tent when she delivers her MPC decision for the Reserve Bank.

I don’t know why, but betting on the Varsity Cup doesn’t sit well with me. There is something pure (untainted?) about this form of rugby that doesn’t need the influence of sports betting attached to it.

Of course the alternative argument there is that college American football and college basketball are big money in the US. This drives interest, sponsorship and TV revenue over there. This in turn has led to really well developed systems over there which means you have really cracking quality athletes moving into the professional ranks.

Dunno? Thoughts on whether betting on the Varsity Cup should be promoted?