Over the past decade, the National Football League (NFL) has undergone a radical transformation in its stance on sports betting. Once vehemently opposed, the league now finds itself immersed in a lucrative partnership with the gambling industry. As the Super Bowl descends upon Las Vegas, the gambling capital of the United States, it’s essential to examine the negative consequences of this newfound alliance between the NFL and the betting world.
Starting with the Courts
In 2018, the Supreme Court overturned a federal law banning sports betting outside of Nevada, leading to a seismic shift in the NFL’s position. The league, under Commissioner Roger Goodell, has not only embraced the gambling industry but has actively sought partnerships with sports betting companies, reportedly totaling nearly $1 billion over five years. The evolution extends to permitting a sportsbook within one of its stadiums and even welcoming a team in Las Vegas, once considered a threat to the game’s integrity.
However, the rapid integration of sports gambling into the NFL’s culture has given rise to contradictions that cannot be ignored. While the league contributes to responsible gambling initiatives, its broadcasts are inundated with advertisements for sports betting companies. This duality presents a cognitive dissonance for players and staff who encounter pro-gambling content, including signage in stadiums and betting odds on NFL telecasts, while being subject to strict anti-gambling regulations.
Marc Edelman, a law professor and director of sports ethics, notes that the NFL and other sports leagues have delved into the realm of sports gambling without fully considering the potential downsides. The leagues have prioritized revenue-related benefits without adequately addressing the challenges and conflicts that arise from encouraging widespread gambling.
No Integrity
Despite the NFL’s assertion that its collaboration with gambling operators aims to protect the game’s integrity, concerns loom large. In 2023, Americans legally wagered over $115 billion on sports, with an additional 25 million people participating compared to 2018. As the number of states legalizing sports betting reaches 38, the impact on the NFL’s audience becomes increasingly substantial.
The legalization of sports gambling has raised concerns about addictive behavior, with the National Council on Problem Gambling noting a rising risk in the three years following the federal ban’s overturn. Dr. Marc Potenza, director of Yale’s Center of Excellence in Gambling Research, identifies a “perfect storm” that could contribute to gambling problems, especially among young men who hold sports in high regard.
To address potential issues, the NFL provided a three-year, $6.2 million grant to the National Council on Problem Gambling in 2021. However, this contribution pales in comparison to the revenue generated by gambling companies using the NFL’s logo and participating in major league events.
Despite the league’s commitment to responsible gambling, its approach to gambling violations within its ranks remains punitive. The NFL prohibits league and team personnel from betting on any sport, with strict penalties for players who violate these rules. This contrasts sharply with the prevalent advertising of sports betting during NFL games, creating a significant paradox for players and staff.
As the NFL continues to navigate its complex relationship with the gambling industry, concerns persist about the potential long-term consequences. Former Senator Bill Bradley, a key figure in the 1992 law that banned sports betting, voices skepticism, arguing that the pervasive culture of gambling may prove challenging to control. As the business ties between the NFL and betting operators take center stage during events like the Super Bowl, the league’s commitment to balancing financial gains with safeguarding the integrity of the game remains a contentious issue.