Why isn’t there sports betting for track and field?

Yup. Im hoping Jakob doesn't run any fast 5,000s before World's so I can hammer his odds

Unfortunately the limits are so low you really can't hammer lines.

These online books generate publicity by all the prop bets like receiving yardage over/unders. It lends to the impression that those pools are a major part of their handle. Hardly. Those limits are very low. They publicize the props in commercials and on programs like Football Night in America because they want to hook as many newcomers as possible, while knowing darn well that they won't be disciplined in the long run. They might start out focusing on props then inevitably they'll detour to meat and potatoes stuff like spread and total.

Besides, football props like that will still generate lots of two-way action because there's so much interest level in general.

None of the above apply to track and field. The sportsbooks know they would be dealing to wise guy action, regardless of what the limits are. And they won't get much two-way action or much volume to begin with. It's simply not worth the time or stress expenditure.

The sportsbooks prefer a landscape in which it doesn't matter if one of their numbers is bad on let's say a full slate of basketball. That number might move 3 points and the sharps collect. They more than make it up with so much public action on everything else.

In track and field if they hang one bad number on a meet, that's where all the money will go. Pounded. They'll never get enough public "square" action to offset.

Perhaps such effort criteria is less of an inhibiting factor for booking NCAA Championship events (XC, Indoor & Outdoor). Do you think reliable power ratings could be generated from athlete progression over time and performances in the seasonal meets that precede Champs?

Nobody knows the athletes and nobody watches on TV. Why would anyone bet on that?

There used to be a website called vegasseven.com. About 10 years ago they ran an article called, "Making the Line." It's the only real-world depiction I've ever seen of the chief oddsmaking session.

When I say 30-60 seconds per game I'm not referring to the time expenditure once the line is funneled to each sportsbook for review before they put it on the board. I'm talking about total time expenditure period. That's how long it takes to come up with the "send" number when all the top guys are in the room with chief oddsmaker making the final call. It goes that quickly because all of them are looking at the same sets of power ratings. There really isn't much need for debate. As depicted well in that article, the only common topic is the chief oddsmaker trying to gauge which way the money will go. He bases that on recent trends involving the two teams...whether or not they have consistently drawn money for or against.

There is no wasted time on injuries or matchups or other peripheral crap that the public fixates on but plays no role in those cherished power rating compilations.

They probably do the oddsmaking sessions remotely these days. I have no idea. But during my time and also when that 2013 article was written it was always in a small room with most guys other than the chief oddsmaker dressed like a bum. The one hilarious aspect of the "Vegas Seven" article was that some guys dressed better than ever before in their lives, because they'd obviously been tipped to the upcoming article and that cameramen would be present.

I linked that article on a Canes college football site. Many of the regulars were stunned, especially the ones who had always mocked my assertion that oddsmaking sessions were very brief and unsophisticated, with no variables needed other than power ratings.

Somehow those guys clutch the mysterious notion of secret inside information blended via magical subjective tinkerings into the holy pointspread.

That mythology never fails to bust me up. But the leaders of the industry push that theme generation after generation, because they want to be viewed as secret sauce. Nobody would care about their input if the curtain were drawn and it's nothing but a handful of guys looking at power ratings.

Unfortunately that "Vegas Seven" website folded about 4 or 5 years ago. I should have known enough to take some screen captures of the article.

You could spend some of the taxpayer dollars you get given on betting

I guess it's all because there's almost nothing to bet on. Personally, I'd rather bet on NBA or even play some casino slot games.

I bet on the 2021 Olympics and 2022 world champs through fan duel. It’s there just not popular yet

Because we already have enough corruption and cheating without that bullsh*t.

Interesting point of view, but anyway - I agree with Awsi Dooger. I've been in the sports betting industry for over 20 years, and I can tell you that oddsmakers don't spend a lot of time debating injuries, matchups, or other peripheral factors. They focus on power ratings, and they set the line based on those ratings.
It's important to remember that oddsmakers are looking at the same sets of power ratings. They also have a lot of experience setting lines, so they're able to do it quickly and efficiently.
I've been in the room with oddsmakers when they're setting the line, and I can tell you that they're not really debating anything. They're just looking at the power ratings and making sure that the line is fair. The only time they'll really debate something is if they're trying to gauge which way the money will go.
So I don't think oddsmakers spend a lot of time thinking about injuries, matchups, or other peripheral factors. They focus on power ratings, and they set the line based on those ratings.
And yup, I also agree with Dooger that the leaders of the industry push the theme that they have secret inside information and that they use magical subjective tinkerings to set the line. They do this because they want to be viewed as experts. But the truth is, oddsmaking is a lot more straightforward than most people think:)

Hey clueless they do. I bet all the time.

Because I would make too much money

Apparently you've never been to a Cali or Texas State High School meet. Never been to the Penn Relays or Texas Relays.

Way too easy in track to throw a race for your cut of the $$$$$.

Too much drug use, allowing males to compete as females, and the biggest one of all - Nobody cares!

The stand are empty at big events......No attendance=No interest= No money=No betting.