Deviance, Discourses, and Everyday Rationalities of Sports Betting in Singapore

ABSTRACT More liberal regulations and technological advances have spurred the growth of sports betting around the world. Given its long‐standing association with various social ills, how do sports bettors justify their gambling activities? This paper looks into the guiding principles and everyday practices of sports betting participants in Singapore. Based on qualitative research, it argues that sports bettors distinguish their activities by following a distinctive rationality that we call “benevolent play.” This concept refers to gambling practices where goodwill and charity serve as a justification for the potential of losing their bets and for their continued participation in sports betting. Apart from latching on the use of regulated gambling by state‐affiliated agencies to support development programs and charitable causes, benevolent play also emphasizes the sense of agency (football knowledge) and emotional investment (“play”) that sports bettors wage on their teams and communities. Generally, this study will contribute to the understanding of gambling culture and the larger discussions on deviance and social control.