People who like to drink alcohol while watching sports are likely to do so in a sports bar. This study examined if there are features of sports bars that encourage drinking and/or gambling. They visited 50 sports bars in Victoria, Australia. They also interviewed 200 patrons. The researchers found that there were three distinct types of sports bars: 1) prototypical sports bars, 2) venues that have a sports bar section, 3) venues that occasionally televise sports. Patrons of prototypical sports bars were the least likely to be there to watch sports and to place sports bets. Patrons of venues with sports bar sections were the most likely to bet but in smaller amounts. This type of venues also prominently featured electronic gaming machines. Further research on sports bars is still required.
