Paul Rouse: Don't think game manipulation for gambling couldn't happen here

The GAA at national and local level is a lucrative opening for betting companies. Those laying bets will be attempting to fuse local knowledge, blind faith, traditional beliefs and more into a decision-making process that is fraught with risk

In the American betting scandal, six people – among them were Terry Rozier (pictured), a current star in the NBA , the Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and Damon Jones, a previous NBA star player and coach – have been charged with using inside information in a scheme to earn millions of dollars in fraudulent bets. Picture: Scott Taetsch/Getty Images

That high-profile sports people in America have been accused of involvement in a betting scandal is not a surprise. Indeed, it is simply a modern twist on an old story.

There is nothing new about the deep links between gambling and sport. This is a relationship that extends around the world and back across the history of competitive sport.