The NFL has been studying the possibility of legal sports betting markets in the United States since mid-2017. After researching the industry, it decided to move forward with a partnership with an analytics firm and a sportsbook.
In April, the NFL announced its official sports-betting partners. Among them, DraftKings and FanDuel. Both companies will offer their official betting product to fans in regulated states. These products will feature more than 25 different in-race bet-types. Designed for sportsbooks, these solutions will provide a highly interactive live experience for fans across regulated markets.
Last month, the Sports Wagering Application Review Commission (SWARC) initiated background checks on 17 sportsbook operators. These sportsbooks will have to prove they have the necessary credentials to operate legally in Maryland.
Today, seven sportsbooks have gone live in the state. Several have already found success in the market. Depending on the licensing process, more sportsbooks are expected to come online in the near future.
DraftKings and UFC have signed an exclusive sponsorship agreement that will allow for in-game promotions and betting odds generation. It is estimated to be worth $350 million.
The NFL has worked with the league’s governing bodies and sports entities to ensure they understand the potential pitfalls and challenges of a legal sports gambling industry. The league has also taken steps to ensure it protects its players from corruption. Moreover, it has prohibited betting kiosks and true betting windows in stadiums.
Despite these limitations, the NFL has worked with its broadcasters to add betting lines to the bottom of the screen. The league has also allowed for sportsbook-sponsored betting lounges.