Pools, Parlays, and Point Spreads: A Sociological Consideration of the Legalization of Sports Gambling

• Garry J. Smith ^[1]
  1. [1] University of Alberta

     University of Alberta

     Canadá

     
• Localización: Sociology of sport journal, ISSN 0741-1235, Vol. 7, Nº. 3, 1990, págs. 271-286
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • The legalization of sports gambling has recently become a major social policy issue in some North American jurisdictions. Unfortunately, there are few guiding principles to help policymakers in their deliberations. This paper presents a synopsis of the main practical and moral arguments for and against sports gambling. The discussion of the consequences of legalizing sports gambling follows a sociological overview that emphasizes the scope, growth, and appeal of the activity. The concluding section examines the future of sports gambling: why legalization appears inevitable, the formats legalized sports gambling may take, and where in North America the enabling legislation is most likely to surface.