According to a Denver Post staff writer, Liberty Media’s attempt to acquire major league baseball team, the Atlanta Braves, may be at risk because of Liberty Media’s ownership of the Don Best sports betting operation.

Don Best.com, an online gambling advisory and information service, is largely regarded as one of the Internet's top sports-betting information operations, but this may not be such an asset for Liberty Media when it comes to buying a professional sports team.  Ownership of two such businesses may represent a distinct conflict of interest.

"I think Major League Baseball would have to take a long, hard look at it," said Dave Smrek, principal of Denver-based Adrenalin, a sports-consulting firm. "In one way or another, it needs to be addressed."

As part of an asset exchange, Liberty and Time Warner entered into an agreement whereby Liberty would become the new owners of the Atlanta Braves.  The agreement requires the approval of 75 percent of other major-league team owners.  This may prove difficult, however, as Major League Baseball has a history of strongly discouraging its teams from having ties with gambling operations.

Liberty spokesperson, John Orr, provided a written response to media enquires about Don Best’s operations and the impact it may have on the Atlanta Brave’s: "We have no comment." Don Best is operated by Toronto-based Fun Technologies. Liberty paid $195 million last year for a 51 percent stake in Fun.

Don Best features betting lines from offshore sports books such as TheGreek.com and Sportsbook.com.  “If necessary, Liberty shouldn't have a problem divesting Don Best to get the Braves deal approved”, Smrek said. "For them, this is a pretty small play," he added.

In the United States it is only legal to bet on major sports such as baseball in casino sports books in Las Vegas.

Posted on: March 1, 2007

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