SPORTS BETTING AND THE SOCIAL PARADIGM:

 

Introduction:

Sports betting is a hot topic in the sports world. With the contribution of Internet and social media platforms it is now known to everyone. To those who are still unaware it is basically a form of gambling. The idea of making a little profit is the cause. They take a bet on the sport events a or any sports person on specific day. It demands a sheer knowledge of the game and also the conviction to predict its outcome. In the midst of an era where prices of every good and service  is increasing  rapidly and power of money is undeniable the alluring ways of making money beckons the immature mass which adorn the way for cunning  bookies.

 

Sports betting and Internet:

Though there are some betting in sports that are legal but needless to say most of these are illegal. But this does not stop the spurious effect of the betting. Most countries have imposed a ban on betting . But Internet has made it easier for opportunistic as there is no restriction on online betting. Except legalised betting online platforms allow different  ways of online gambling on sports. Beyond physical boundaries one can bet from anywhere on any sporting event. Sometimes  it also counts reality shows or any competitive  show except sports. With online betting juvenile  people too engage themselves into it. Different countries suffer this betting on sports specially on the most popular games or sports’ persons of that nation. Cricket,  football, boxing, bowling, even racing of horses & cars each and every  popular sport comes under this notorious business. The organisations that arrange  this kind of betting are often called juices. And those who lure fanatic mass to it are addressed as bookies. So many people without knowledge wager their money and fall prey  to the  game. But loosing a game or money doesn’t stop it rather it is increasing rapidly.

 

Scenario of sports betting round the globe:

‘Is sports betting completely banned ?’If this question is to be answered then the answer is “No”. To elaborate considering the world view some countries like Ghana, Mexico, Philippines , UK permit and legally regulate sports betting and some countries namely Argentina, Japan, India[ states like Sikkim, Goa] allow sports betting but partially; either for some specific sports or for a specific state or region.

Besides having authentic and legalised way spurious effect of sports betting is no doubt unavoidable— ‘ Illegal sports betting or sports gambling’—the major concern for the world. This is clearly the main threat looming large over not only Sports Industry but also World Economy.

 

Laws and illegal sport betting :

Different nations have advocated their own laws to restrict sports betting. Such as the Public Gambling Act 1867 in India prohibits the operation of public gambling , California Penal Code §330 PC operates to stop illegal gambling . Irrespective to its dimension, population, economy & market size many countries  viz. Brazil, Bangladesh, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia ,  Algeria, Canada , USA, Nepal China, Myanmar etc. have enforced laws to curb these illegal practices in sports industry. But there is no strict law to control online betting which can blur any boundary. Sitting within his own space a bookie can endorse betting and one can easily answer that call without stepping out of the house. So some measures to be taken to prohibit online betting .

Though The Unlawful Internet Gambling Prohibition Act 2006  by US Senate deserves a mention that is presented to ban online betting. China has also implemented laws to curtail the growth of online sports betting .In India the Bombay Wager Act 1887 , Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Online Gambling and Regulations of Online Gaming Act 2022 are rays of hope amidst this dire situation.

But not to forget this is just the beginning. Except having legalised ways unlawful agents always try to weave intricate web of temptation to trap innocence.

Sports betting and its impact on society:

Being a form of gambling it can do no good to the society rather  it plays with the passion of sports lovers. Showing money actually grabs the eye balls of innocent people and causes financial  loss that in turn deeply affects the global economy. It snatches the childhood of  teenagers  as well. With the allurement of prize money they choose the wrong path. It has changed way of looking at sports. The passion of sports is transformed  into  the  passion of  money that to illegal  money making.

·        Talking about betting on sports the matter of match-fixing can not be omitted as it is becoming an open threat  to  the sports world and the future of sports. Fixing the outcome of matches for own financial gain is damaging sports  and chocking the young talents and hampering the youth globally.

 

 

Conclusion:

With active involvement in sports betting the society steps back. As economy is the backbone of any society and it hurts economy the most. If not wiping out completely within a blink of an eye practically possible legal measures should be taken to ensure prohibition and punishment should be advocated for the betterment of social paradigms, youth, and most importantly for the future of sports.  

                                                          

                                    

                                        —●—

                                                                  — Advika's

 

 

Reference:

Internet Archive

Wikipedia

ESPN Staff “ Which Countries allow gambling on sports? Assessing The Impact of Betting Round the World”  ESPN INDIA , www.espn.in 27.02.2025

Shreya ”Sports Betting and Laws Relating to it”  Legal Service India , www.legalserviceindia.com 27.02.2025