It's nearly the same in Europe / Germany. However, sports betting isn't really under control here.
The reasoning is like this: Participation in the progress of playing makes a difference. In one case you are just placing money on things other people are doing. In the other case you are placing money on your own actions. For the risk of gambling addiction this is relevant. And it has a lesser (indirect) potential for fraud.
The reasoning is like this: Participation in the progress of playing makes a difference. In one case you are just placing money on things other people are doing. In the other case you are placing money on your own actions. For the risk of gambling addiction this is relevant. And it has a lesser (indirect) potential for fraud.