Official betting deals are a growing trend in the US sports industry. They give leagues, sportsbooks, and other industry stakeholders a chance to collaborate. While most sports betting partnerships focus on the basic details, they are also big on the big picture. The NFL is the latest to make the move.
It started in earnest last year. Last season, the NFL began allowing stadium signage, and even sportsbooks to sponsor team lounges. Now, fans can also place bets at a number of sportsbooks and casinos, including Caesars, BetMGM, and Fox Bet.
The NFL’s betting-related research showed that sportsbooks were a big draw for fans, but stadium betting kiosks weren’t a fan favorite. So the NFL made a deal to license official sports betting data to other sportsbooks, and in turn will monitor those sportsbooks.
It’s not all good news. In an effort to prevent corruption, the NFL has also implemented a comprehensive gambling-related training program for players.
Likewise, MLB is looking to strike new deals with sportsbooks. While MLB has only found one partner, MGM Resorts, they have also held talks with several others. As for MLB’s official betting data, the league is considering a potential tariff. This will depend on a sportsbook’s ability to pay.
Another notable NFL feat is the use of the Internet to offer live streaming of games, something that is still in the works. The league’s research has also found that fans prefer sportsbook apps to visiting betting kiosks.