04/25/24
May 07, 2015
Yes, But Is It A Sport?: A landmark court case in Britain to judge whether Bridge is a sport or not. Significant lottery funding is at stake.
In the U.S., there has been a debate (and several court cases) as to whether poker is a game of chance or a game of skill. At issue in those cases is whether individuals or organizations could be prosecuted under anti-gambling laws for participating in or running poker games. In at least a couple of the cases, the court has found that poker is primarily a game of skill.
posted by holden at 11:11 AM on May 07, 2015
The word "sport" can refer to many things other than athletic competition. Definition 3, here, covers it pretty well. Contract Bridge, particularly duplicate bridge, is a game of skill. It is also a pretty good intellectual activity that offers a good bit of social interaction.
posted by Howard_T at 06:19 PM on May 09, 2015
Words have lots of meaning, but when people call themselves sports fans they aren't saying they are a fan of any "diversion; recreation; pleasant pastime."
I don't want to open the is-it-a-sport can of worms, but bridge has no physical component to success. I'd say that's enough to push it into not-a-sport territory.
posted by rcade at 08:59 PM on May 09, 2015
Just my opening bid:
It doesn't really matter what we call sports, pastimes or recreations. If the purpose of lottery funding is to support grass roots, community level activities, then it shouldn't just apply to sports. Bridge associations, gardening clubs, fishing clubs, chess players and so on should be able to apply and receive grants for the work they do for their activities, their communities and their members. Broaden the scope of funding, don't try and split legal hairs.