In 2018, the US lifted the federal ban against sports betting. This was active in every state except Nevada. In the aftermath, a gambling boom began that produced rapid results, changing the landscape of American gambling both offline and online. After five years, the US states were able to provide this pastime for their residents. However, thirty-eight territories took advantage of this and legalized betting on sports.
FanDuel, Caesars Entertainment, and DraftKings are the first bettors to join forces with the NFL to utilize the intellectual properties (trademarks) of betting promotions. The NFL could then use NFL stats and highlights to determine their betting lines. Four months following this agreement, the National Football League published a new press release informing the public they had also reached an accord with four other major US gambling operators – WynnBet, FOX Bet, BetMGM, and PointsBet – for these entities to become NLF -approved sportsbook operator. This allowed the brands to buy select media and in-game advertising.
It’s not a surprise that the NFL has partnered with some of the biggest names in the gambling business. As a result of the league’s embrace of legalized betting, it earns $132 million annually through sponsorship deals from companies in this industry. In the past, multiple teams have partnered up with gambling operators. Some of the teams who partnered up with entities that operate New Jersey betting sites are the New York Giants and Jets; the Detroit Lions; the Chicago Bears; the Denver Broncos; the Tennessee Titans and the Philadelphia Eagles.
NFL Teams New Jersey Gambling Deals
New Jersey is not home to an NFL franchise, but both the Giants & Jets host their games there. In 2022 the Jets agreed to a partnership with MGM that would allow this renowned Las Vegas brand to offer an in-play game within the New York Jets application. The Jets also committed themselves to promoting MGM through their promotional materials, as well as signage in the stadium. DraftKings – a Fantasy sports turned betting organization – secured an exclusive agreement with the Giants in 2012, making it the team’s official betting and fantasy sports partner. It was only natural that the financial terms weren’t disclosed to the press. DraftKings received exclusive gaming rights as well as access to MetLife Stadium’s Virtual Sports Lounge on game days.
Here are the other teams that also receive money from US gambling operators active in New Jersey.
In 2020 the Philadelphia Eagles entered into a multiyear partnership with FOX Bet. FOX Bet is a brand that operates under Flutter Entertainment. Flutter Entertainment acquired this mobile sportsbook by a 2020 tie-up. This agreement predicted the opening of a FOX Bet facility at Lincoln Financial Field that would feature FOX Bet-delegated exclusive content. In addition, the agreement included the creation of a FOX Bet lobby, which is open to ticketed customers, as well as social media marketing and custom promotional branding for game days. The Broncos’ and Titans’ multi-year partnerships with BetMGM were signed the same year. The Broncos were able to launch a premium club at Empower Field Mile High and the Titans lost the rights to name their TV studio in Saint Thomas Sports Park. At the same time, BetMGM also signed an agreement with the Detroit Lions that focused on in-stadium marketing and digital marketing.
Chicago Bears, PointsBet, and the Chicago Bears have joined forces to allow the latter to be the team’s first sports betting partner.
Sponsorships In The NFL That Are Based On Betting And Gambling
The impact of widespread betting on sports and sponsorships of gambling on the NFL can be seen in many aspects. The mentioned and vast list of other undiscussed football-wagering-related partnerships have resulted in lucrative deals that have contributed to the league’s revenue. They have funded salaries for league officials, infrastructure, etc. The NFL has a wider target audience thanks to these events, which reflect a shift in societal attitudes towards gambling.
The wide-arm use of betting has been a source of ethical concern. The public’s perception of the betting business and its potential impact on athletes is a major concern. There are concerns that unethical behaviors like match-fixing could cause irreparable damage to the league.
Shortly, it’s unlikely that sponsorships and the NFL will be separated. Technology will continue to improve viewing experiences, which will increase engagement among those who bet on the NFL.
NFL Players Can’t Promote Betting
NFL players cannot enjoy this privilege despite many NFL teams signing sponsor agreements with betting firms and the NFL doing so. The NFL bans players from licensing their image to endorse betting. The faces of retired athletes are seen by gamblers at US-licensed and offshore online sportsbooks.
NFL agents cite this as hypocritical, saying that NBL players, MLB players, and NHL players have the same freedom. Their clients should also. SponsorUnited notes that NFL betting sponsorship has increased by 40% since the last season. This is why the league must allow athletes to share in the profits.