Evolution of Sports Betting

The evolution of sports betting has seen some tremendous advancement over the centuries. Today, you can simply turn on your computer and click a few buttons to place a bet, or even flip open your cell phone and place a sports bet while stuck in traffic. But it didn’t used to be this way.

The history of sports betting can actually be dated back as far as 1,000 BC, as far as recorded data is concerned. Likely even the cavemen were betting on who could throw a stone the farthest, or spear the first saber tooth of the season.

The Chinese have kept excellent records of ancient times, considering what methods they had available to them. They have been placing sports bets on animal races since around 1,000 BC, including horses and dogs. Sports betting took place in dens, which could be found in most major cities.

The Greeks went one step further, pitting human versus human around 400 BC. This is where the Olympic Games originated as men competed in races, wrestling, boxing and discus throwing. About 100 years later, Romans took yet another step by initiating gladiator fighting. Humans fought against each other with various types of weapons, and the sports betting of that time was based on not who would win, but who would live to walk away from the fight.

Sports betting continued throughout the centuries, mostly based on races or contests between animals or men. Events were based within cities, accepting whoever felt up to the task and made the grade. Then with the 19th century came a major thread in the weave of sports betting – organized sports.

Teams and leagues were developed. Soccer and rugby leagues were established up all over Europe. Sports betting enthusiasts could trek to conventional locations designed for sporting events. Not only did it increase the activity of sports betting, it greatly reduced the corruption, where cheating and disputes were often unavoidable.

Horse races and baseball teams began organizing in the United States in the 1800’s as well. Patrons flocked to race tracks and stadiums, but placing sports betting wasn’t as easy in those days.

Then bookies and sportsbooks started to emerge, making the placement of sports bets a lot easier, though the odds were never good. Bookies set the odds to greatly favor themselves, so sports betting was, in general, a losing game.

Bets on horse races were the worst, where only a certain number of bets on particular horses (those expected to win) would be accepted. Bettors would purchase a wager, then auction it off to the highest bidder. Those who actually took the bets were paying a higher price, so even if they did win, it wouldn’t amount to much.

Some governments, especially in the United States, where sports betting was outlawed, began bringing heavy heat upon establishments. Dealing with mobsters became the most resourceful means of placing sports bets, which only brought about more trouble for the bettors – especially those who built up a sizable debt. Finally the government legalized sports betting when applied under the right circumstances and limitations.

Bookies came out of hiding and began operating a more reputable business. Right about this time, the “point spread” was introduced, which gave bettors a more even chance of winning. With the point spread came a surge in sports betting activity worldwide.

When televisions became a household item, the sports betting industry hit another surge. It was no longer necessary to visit the stadium or race track. You could simply pick up the phone, place a bet and watch the event on TV. It also increased the overall popularity of sports, which in turn boosted sports betting yet again.

Finally, in the mid 1990’s, the internet became big part of every most households, opening yet another avenue for sports betting. Online sportsbooks began to pop up, steadily increasing in numbers and competitive promotions.

Now days, you can join one of the hundreds of online sportsbooks and place wagers on just about every sporting event known to man. Even mobile devices with internet access (cell phone, PDA, etc.) can be used for sports betting purposes. The evolution of sports betting is simply incredible. Whether you’re at the track, at home, at the office, stuck in traffic or sitting in a lobby waiting for name to be called at the doctor’s office, you can take advantage of sports betting opportunities from all corners of the globe.