People have always gambled. Dice, roulette, gladiatorial fights, horse races, and the Olympic Games, with their centuries-old history, are firmly woven into the cultural and historical context. Those interested in the current betting landscape can visit RG.ORG for a comprehensive list of bookmakers. However, the impact of betting on society, particularly the world economy, could be more consistent. Some people are loyal to betting and are not opposed to betting on the outcome of a match involving their favorite team. On the contrary, some sharply criticize this kind of leisure activity and vehemently oppose it.
The Positive Impact of Betting
First, let’s examine the pros and perks that society receives from sports betting and bookmakers.
Substantial taxes that can be spent on good deeds
The bookmaker market is the most critical sector of the economy, and its infusion into the state budget is enormous. First, it is connected with the amount of taxes bookmakers deduct from their profits in favor of the state and society. The percentage of deductions varies depending on the legislation of each particular country, and these amounts are constantly growing.
In addition, some countries have additional contributions. For example, all legal betting companies must transfer a certain percentage of their revenue in favor of sports development. This money is used to build sports facilities, improve infrastructure, and support young athletes.
Thus, the amounts transferred by bookmakers to the state budget reach tens of millions of dollars. This money can be used to develop medicine, education, and assistance to vulnerable segments of the population, such as pensioners, mothers with many children, orphans, and disabled children, as well as to improve the quality of life generally.
CSR Projects of the Largest Bookmakers
Most of the top bookmakers actively engage in CSR projects. CSR, or the concept of corporate social responsibility, implies that the company invests in various public initiatives in addition to standard taxes. These include charity events, assistance to homeless animals or orphans, environmental projects, holding free sporting events, working with sponsored organizations, and much more.
In recent years, competition among bookmakers has been intense. This has led to bookmakers’ marketing and PR departments devising and implementing new initiatives aimed at attracting clients and popularising sports in general. This applies both to major sporting events—for example, the 2018 FIFA World Cup—and local national tournaments.
A separate direction in popularizing sports is the support of teams and individual athletes. For example, some companies become official betting partners of big European giants in certain countries.
Developing a Culture of Gambling and Normalising Unsustainable Leisure Activities
The active popularisation of sports betting by bookmakers leads to the idea taking root in our minds: betting is normal. Some people go to the theatre, some go mountain climbing or painting, while others choose to bet on sports. But therein lies the danger: according to research, gambling abuse can lead to increased levels of anxiety, depressive moods, problems at home and work, and even an increase in suicidal tendencies. Unsuccessful bets and big losses only aggravate this condition.
