BETTING THE LINE: SPORTS WAGERING IN AMERICAN LIFE : The Ohio State University Press : 9780814250785 : 0814250785 : 15 Jul 2001 : Betting the Line: Sports Wagering in American Life is a study of gambling, particularly sports gambling, and how it has thrived in American culture. According to Davies and Abram, the culture of betting results from two complementary influences in American society: risk taking and speculation. This is the first effort by academic writers to describe and interpret the history of sports wagering in the United States. Although many books have been written about "how to bet and win," Betting the Line presents a serious history of this popular activity, from the colonial and Civil War eras to today, from early betting on horse racing and baseball to the modern venues of basketball and football. By considering topics as diverse as the business of a bookie, the expansion of legalized gambling, and the increase in popularity of televised sports, the authors offer r