I am old enough to remember when the NFL didn’t want anything to do with gambling. In fact, the league was at the forefront of the argument to keep PASPA — the law that only allowed legalized sports gambling in specific states — in place. The league and its partner leagues failed at keeping PASPA in place and now it seems like the NFL is all-in on gambling. It’s no wonder since sports-related gambling is the newest frontier for the league to make a ton of money and reach its $25 billion revenue goal. Well, the NFL did a complete 180 when it comes to gambling now as the new CBA allows for sportsbooks to be located in NFL stadiums. Talk about changing their tune.
This is commonplace in Europe. There are in-person sportsbook locations that are easily accessible just like getting some concessions. There are betting kiosks for the people who don’t want to interact with a human. There is access to gambling websites and apps where fans can bet from their seats. This is the natural order of things in Europe and the same thing will be happening in the United States in short order.
Per the ESPN report, NFL players will get a higher percentage cut of gambling net-profits when it comes to people voting on football-related wagers and will get a lower percentage of the profit when it comes to wagers place on non-football related activity. In-stadium sportsbooks may also stay open outside of the season. This could mean that stadiums will need refurbs or new-stadiums will make sure they build a large section for sportsbooks. It’s a smart decision by owners who want to draw people to the venue when there is nothing going on at the stadium. It also will give people access to place bets when they are at the venue for non-sports related events like concerts.
People who wanted to gamble were placing bets anyway. With the legalization of sports wagering continuing to grow from state to state, it makes sense to provide access to books in-stadium. The NFL wasn’t going to miss out on that money. They are extremely talented when it comes to the business of sports.