Doping and uncertainty of outcome

Abstract

This paper demonstrates, by simple classical game theory, that the claim by Savulescu et al. (2004) of a safer and fairer sport with legalized doping is a highly unlikely outcome. This result, with added arguments related to adverse effects on both demand and supply for the sports product, should hopefully affect the debate on legalization of performance-enhancing drugs. The Nash equilibrium obtained in the analysis predicts more doping, and maybe more importantly, use of more dangerous performance-enhancing drugs. As a consequence, a legalization of performance.enhancing drugs may threaten the actual existence of professional sports markets.