This isn't Facebook or Twitter, so two-line jokes aren't appropriate.
Not all long posts can really be considered quality posts, but there are times when short posts have good substance on the topic of discussion which can then be considered quality. I don't think it's a problem, but if it's written for something pointless then I'm sure it's just spam worth reporting.
I believe forum give us all the right to free speech, but if users aren't doing it for something useful and their posts are off-topic, then the report to moderator feature would be very useful.
The issue with the gambling section is; you need multiple moderators who watch these sports,
You're right about this but I don't think they have to stay in front of the TV watching match after match which the fans discuss exclusively. Honestly that I watch a lot of football matches for various domestic leagues to keep my reply on topic, but that won't stop people from saying it's a bad post.
Even if this actually won't solve the problem, some of these things will reduce spam on the gambling board:
1. Thread with 1000 pages no longer display signature.
2. Campaign manager no longer counts posts on thread that are more than 25 page (mega thread).