Former Cincinnati Reds star Pete Rose is one of the most legendary players in Major League Baseball history with 17 All-Star game appearances, an MVP Award, two Gold Gloves, three batting titles, and three World Series rings. But since his retirement from the sport, he’s become legendary for a much different reason – gambling.
Despite his accomplishments and accolades on the field and his status as baseball’s all-time hits leader, Pete Rose is banned from the Hall of Fame for betting on baseball. But while his betting habits may be keeping him out of the Hall of Fame, it is presenting him with quite a unique opportunity.
As inarguably the most notorious sports gambler in the city of Cincinnati, Rose has been given the unique honor of placing the first legal sports bet at the Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati on Jan. 1, 2023 when sports gambling becomes legalized in the state, according to Front Office Sports.
Pete Rose will place the first legal sports bet at Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati on Jan. 1, 2023.
Rose — MLB’s all-time hits leader — is banned from baseball and the Hall of Fame for wagering on games. pic.twitter.com/z6SQ3nL3Qc
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) November 1, 2022
It’s certainly a fitting honor for one of baseball’s most controversial figures, and the MLB world had plenty to say about it on Twitter.
Completely.
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) November 1, 2022
Fitting https://t.co/AyLcUOCotc
— Sports Talk Garage Podcast🎙 (@SportsGaragePod) November 2, 2022
This just keeps getting worse. Let the man in… https://t.co/s20rdxNi3d
— Adam Campbell (@soupy0716) November 2, 2022
He seems contrite. https://t.co/w0otcOdHRf
— Dustin The Wind 🦬 (@houseofgordondd) November 2, 2022
Yeah look, if we’re allowing it now he should really be unbanned https://t.co/6pscf9NGQg
— Marcus Newling (@MarcusNewling) November 2, 2022
I’d like to see him try to place his bet before me. https://t.co/j70BZltbiY
— Nick Rulong (@KangaRulong) November 2, 2022
The marketing manager needs a raise. https://t.co/3EaityNgQ8
— Zachary Levine (@zacharylevine25) November 2, 2022
Now, the world just eagerly awaits what that very first sports wager will be – and whether or not it will be a winner.