Should Sports Betting Be Legalized?

A new way to earn money has just filtered through, catching the attention of both the middle and high classes. Sports betting has been around for ages, with the first citing being in the 18th century. The most popular of the ones was horse racing, which gained popularity due to the adrenaline and competitiveness. Britain made the activity publicized and was originally only made for horse owners who then could stage races and bets. But as popularity grew, so did the sport, and was quickly placed into most pubs where it was highly promoted. For those who may not know what sports betting entails, it is putting money behind an outcome of your choice and getting paid if that outcome is achieved. Most people use “parlay,” but there are numerous different types. The main four kinds of betting that are common to most sports teams like football, basketball, hockey, and baseball are money lines, spreads, totals, and parlays. Sports betting has only just become legalized in 2018, with it still being limited in various states. It is legal in over 30 states, including Kentucky, New York, Michigan, Louisiana, and more. Many do not know that there is a difference between bets that are placed in person versus online in retrospect, online offers better odds and a better outcome, whereas, at a venue, it is a “get what you see.” There are several apps where sports fanatics can place bets, such as FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Ceasers, and Bet365. Why do people want to keep sports betting illegal, one may ask themselves? Fans and their deep love for the game, coupled with an addictive nature, sometimes fuels people to place outlandish wagers. The legality of sports betting remains a divisive issue, with some calling for its prohibition for numerous reasons. One considerable point of controversy is the potential societal damage connected with gambling. Keeping sports betting illegal is frequently seen as a way to reduce the risks of widespread gambling addiction and its adverse effects on individuals, families, and society. The concern for vulnerable populations, such as adolescents and those prone to addictive habits, supports the case for keeping the ban in place. Based on the feedback from society, many believe sports betting should be legal. For cities like California, Texas, and Florida, a ban on betting is still ongoing, and does not look like there will be any changes soon. Students here on Sothern’s campus had much to say concerning the topic. It is becoming popular amongst this age group, with men being frequent users. Here is what Marvion Young, a sociology major, had to say, “Sports betting should be legal. I feel like everyone can benefit from it. I first started hearing about it around 2020 when COVID was out, and what drew my attention to it was all the money that I saw people winning an opportunity that could you know, make money off of a small dollar.” Asharia Jackson, a student majoring in Therapeutic Recreation, has been peeping the scene for a while now. “Yes, sports betting should be legal. I first heard about a year ago. I saw some of my friends winning and even this man that won close to 100 million. What drew my attention is how small an amount can win you a big payout if you know the game.” Being that sports betting is legal in over half of the United States, the probability that the rest of them will turn over is high. Watch the games, trust one’s intuition, and place some bets!