If you look at sports betting and stock trading in terms of investors perspective only, sports betting is a much safer play because it is easy to manage, cheaper in the vig (commission) and much cheaper in the bankroll. Both are a form of gambling and the kicker with both is same--in order to be successful you need to be skillful, especially with money management AND finding the edge. Sports investing and stock investing are viewed differently by government regulators. Governments around the globe encourage stock wagering, a nice respectable occupation in the eyes of most. Sports bettors, on the other hand, are shunned. They do not wear suits and ties. And in many cases, sports investors do not enjoy the support of the general public or the government regulatory bodies. Why? Taxes! Read the full in depth article here: Sports Betting vs Stock Market Trading