Go straight to the content.
With the growing expansion of legalized sports betting in the United States, there has been a surge in fan frustration regarding their lost bets. Consequently, certain teams are now seeking the assistance of a security company based in Boston to ensure the safety of their athletes and staff.
Raysecur, based in Boston, has partnered with the Houston Astros and Washington Commanders, along with several Fortune 100 companies, to offer physical mail security services. The surge in social media threats directed towards athletes from sports bettors has highlighted a concerning rise in threats towards sports personalities and teams.
Raysecur may soon be offering its services in Massachusetts now that online sports betting is operational in the state.
It starts with social media
With the increasing number of markets opening in the country, it is inevitable that there will be a rise in negative interactions between a few disgruntled fans and athletes/teams. However, it is important to note that the vast majority of sports bettors are loyal supporters who never pose a risk and do not hold teams or athletes accountable for their lost bets.
During an exclusive interview with Raysecur’s Chief Security Officer, Will Plummer, it was revealed that social media frequently serves as the initial stage for potentially harmful actions targeted at athletes.
“[Sports betting] introduces an entirely different group of individuals who are now motivated by a fresh perspective, leading to increased frustration. It’s no longer solely about supporting a favorite team; it’s now about losing one’s hard-earned income.”
Raysecur’s clients utilize the company’s exclusive mail scanning hardware and software systems, along with receiving training to effectively recognize potential threats within their mailrooms. According to Plummer, it is common for dissatisfied individuals to initiate their dissatisfaction by posting negative comments on Twitter, which can potentially escalate to sending an angry letter.
“Plummer states that the teams are in need of assistance and require someone to provide guidance.”
As the market for MA sports betting continues to evolve, social media has already made a significant impact during its launch, and it is expected to remain influential in the future.
The danger of social media anger and violent outbursts at an arena lies in the fact that a handful of individuals can easily provoke trouble.
According to Plummer, when observing sports violence in Europe, it is evident that a small group of 10 to 12 individuals can incite a crowd of 10 to 12,000 people to rush onto the field.
The Houston Astros and other forward-thinking organizations are actively implementing proactive measures by integrating Raysecur’s innovative x-ray technologies. This adoption aims to enhance the screening process of player mail and promptly identify potential threats before they reach the athletes. Additionally, the Raysecur system offers live video feeds, allowing off-site security staff to closely monitor the situation.
Raysecur working with multiple leagues
Plummer reveals that Raysecur has engaged in discussions with both the NFL and NBA. In particular, Raysecur has brought forth the evolving environment to these leagues, which are known for their prominent figures that interact with fans through social media platforms.
Plummer suggests that there are always opportunities for improvement in security measures. Just like MLB, NFL, and NBA enforce mandatory security protocols, there should be a similar initiative to promote enhanced security for players.
After Covid restrictions were lifted, a noticeable change occurred in the behavior of fans. They began displaying more aggression by trespassing onto the court and targeting players. Addressing one particularly angry fan, it is important to clarify that my frustration stemmed from that specific individual rather than the entire team, as it was due to their actions that I suffered financial loss.
Typically, the process begins when a Tweet or email is sent to a prominent figure, and unfortunately, a triggering event could be the athlete’s response. This reaction can be caused by the athlete’s response or even if the athlete chooses to ignore the message, it may still provoke the fan, although the response may be delayed. Using Raysecur systems, a team has the ability to prohibit that fan from sending mail or engaging with the sports team in any other way.
Raysecur assists the Astros and other clients in detecting suspicious mail to prevent further escalation of problematic behavior.
After dedicating 25 years of my life to serving in the U.S. Army bomb squad, I have successfully transferred the knowledge and skills I acquired in threat identification, risk assessment, and more to various corporate and other verticals.
BetMGM’s expenditure for its launch in Massachusetts was lower than initially anticipated.
Assessing possible threats
Raysecur’s systems are employed by the Astros to scan every mailed item received by the team, including the front office, players, and employees. Plummer clarifies that the mail system can pose a potential vulnerability, as people tend to trust it based on familiarity and convenience.
According to Plummer, the threat appears unusual since individuals are accustomed to retrieving packages from their mailboxes and bringing them home. However, when this practice is applied in the workplace, the situation is different.
If your company frequently engages in controversial activities or receives significant media attention, individuals may develop feelings of resentment.
Not all threats are physical; they can also be ideological or fanatical in nature. Corporate clients often have their intercepted mail containing manifestos, white collar threats, or grievances that verge on obsession.
In conclusion, there are many aspects for Raysecur to explore, and it will be fascinating to witness the company’s growth amidst the expanding sports betting landscape in the United States.
If you or someone dear to you is facing issues related to gambling, do not hesitate to contact 1-800-327-5050 or browse www.mahelpline.org/problemgambling. A team of skilled specialists is available round the clock to provide free assistance and guidance.
Related Articles
