Official betting helps sports fans better understand the odds of a game. Odds on a game can be complicated because there are many factors that affect them. The NFL, for example, has signed deals with several sportsbooks to provide official data to its fans. This partnership will enable the NFL to tie brand marketing to on-air and online statistics.
In the last three years, partnerships between sports leagues and betting operators have exploded across the US. Official betting partnerships give movers and shakers in the industry the chance to work together. They aren’t one-off deals, but a portfolio of extensive relationships. DraftKings, one of the market leaders, has agreed to a variety of deals and has strengthened its presence in several states.
ESPN and Fox are two of the biggest NFL owners, and both have stakes in DraftKings, the fantasy giant turned bookmaker. Fox also recently announced the launch of its own sportsbook, Fox Bet. It marks the most aggressive push from one of the major media companies in this space. Meanwhile, ESPN has partnered with Caesars and is building a Las Vegas set to showcase gambling content. In the past, the NFL has approached betting cautiously. Its research found that fans preferred mobile sportsbooks to in-stadium betting kiosks.
The NFL also looked into the legalization of sports betting. It sought to understand the challenges and opportunities of legalized betting, as well as the potential impact on consumer safety. In addition, it sought to protect its own players by offering tools and educational resources that educate and prevent problem betting.