Sports Lit
Betting the House On It
Formal Debate (culminating unit activity) – 20 points
Now that we have looked at several aspects associated with the current state of
gambling in the United States, you will now participate in a formal debate.
With a group, you will organize either the PRO or CON side of the debate (you will
be assigned a specific side). Your group will designate ONE individual to provide
the Opening Statement. Once the opening statements are complete, the floor will be
open for a debate forum to discuss all aspects of the gambling issue within today’s
society. After the debate is complete, you will designate ONE individual to provide
the Closing Statement. **Must be a different person than the opening statement.
Please organize notes in preparation for the formal debate. The notes will be
collected (10 points) and your participation in the debate will be counted (10
points).
Be sure you are very specific with your information when you are preparing your
argument. Avoid general statements – provide concrete evidence/examples to
really prove your side.
Debate Topic:
Although extremely popular in America, gambling is in fact
destroying not only society, but also the moral core of
humanity.
**Please focus on all four styles of gambling while preparing for the debate:
1. Gambling
2. Sports gambling
3. Horse racing
4. Fantasy leagues
Please use the following documents to help prepare for the debate:
1. Bringing Down the House (the book and all of the activities we did analyzing
the book – look at turnitin and schoology for help)
2. Packet distributed in class (ESPN Magazine and various newspaper articles)
3. Introductory Activity for this unit (includes the figures associated with
gambling)
Additional resources include:
1. Research the 4 styles of gambling on your own – especially for horse racing
and fantasy leagues
2. http://espn.go.com/chalk/story/_/id/12253876/nevada-sports-bettorswagered-lost-more-ever-2014
3. http://espn.go.com/chalk/story/_/id/12255167/sen-john-mccain-sayscongress-needs-hold-hearings-discuss-legalizing-sports-betting
4. http://espn.go.com/chalk/story/_/id/12272160/adam-silver-discussedsports-gambling-commissioners-other-leagues
5. http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2013/02/11/a-call-to-action
Pro (items to consider):
a. Horse racing – animal cruelty
b. Gambling – violence, danger, technically illegal for the most part
c. Sports gambling – illegal, challenges the integrity of the sport
d. Fantasy leagues – no regulations, distraction from productivity
e. Addiction
f. Debt
Con (items to consider):
a. Can’t stop it, why not make money off it (legalize it)
b. Horse racing – celebrates amazing athletes
c. Gambling is part of our history and DNA
d. Violent/mob days of controlling gambling are over
e. It’s just for fun = no harm
f. Tourist revenue