I don't really know much about other sports, but as far as football is concerned, I see it as the true hub that has really hosted the activities of betting. The sponsorship deals are very massive and they end up benefiting any sides that collaborate. Honestly, I think footballing as a sport is very big and it happens to be the biggest sport I guess.
And concerning the negative aspect, well, it has being a problem in recent times, and it often comes to our minds especially when some games looks manipulated probably from the referee's decisions. The sad truth is, we can never have a 100% transparency in football. A very few individuals just find ways to manipulate a games in their own ways.