Questioning the Illegality of Betting for Sports

Although placing a wager on sport games and matches are legal in countries like the United Kingdom and Australia, it is easy to see the negative impression on the activity by looking at the USA where only the state of Nevada has legalized betting for sports.

Why is betting for sports is illegal?

One of the driving force why making a wager on sports is illegal is due to the bad image of gambling. The bad rep on gambling goes a long way back into the earliest of times. In cultures where hard work and perseverance is valued, gambling always looked an easy and a lazy way of gaining something and as a result, the common train of thought is that something gained from it is undeserved.

Although the negative perception on the activity plays a role on the illegality, it is really not enough. That is why we have the second and the strongest reason for why placing a bet on sports is prohibited. Addiction is the commonly cited reason why gambling is illegal. The bliss bought on by the rush of excuse as you place a risk in the unknown can be addictive, and this is what the law stops from happening.

With addiction, anything bad can happen. Domestic abuse instigated by arguments relating finances, crimes committed to pay off debts or to continue gambling, becoming broke and penniless. These can all be caused by an addiction to gambling that the law of the states tries to protect its citizens from.

Why should it be legalized?

Addiction is a complicated issue that should not be used as valid reason to prohibit betting for sports. There are plenty of things that can cause an addiction and if you decide to illegalize one thing for it, it only stands to reason to illegalize all.

From video games to food, anything can be addicting and these addictions all carry negative effects. Video games can affect the studies and the future of a student and overindulging in food can cause fatal health conditions yet we do not illegalize these. Even smoking which is dangerous not only to the smoker but also the people around is legal.

With the right regulation, the feared negative effects of gambling should be avoided. If a country like Australia has a thriving sport betting industry without the feared effects on society, why can not it be done in other places?

A strong betting industry can create significant revenue that could really benefit states and its people. It can also strengthen the much-needed sporting culture by adding excitement to the games and matches.

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Source by Shaun M Morrie