In case you missed it, Super Bowl LVIII is happening in Las Vegas this Sunday.
But even without the big game being in Sin City, the NFL"s connection to gambling is pretty obvious. You can"t watch a game without seeing ads for sportsbooks and fantasy sports apps. Plus, the league has sponsorship deals related to gambling, and the Raiders moved from Oakland to Las Vegas.
Before the big game, CBS"s broadcasting team of Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, and Tracy Wolfson talked with The Athletic"s Richard Deitsch about various topics. When asked about discussing gambling during broadcasts, all three had concerns. Romo was especially critical, saying it feels like a slippery slope and makes the game feel less pure. Nantz agreed, saying he cringes when colleagues talk about gambling in golf broadcasts. However, he thinks it"s inevitable that they"ll have to discuss it on NFL broadcasts, too.
Tony Romo says gambling’s influence on football makes it feel ‘less pure’ https://t.co/WhdhsIYgRi pic.twitter.com/Tmu3H2R0NG
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 6, 2024
Wolfson admitted she doesn"t know much about sports betting but is willing to learn if it becomes necessary for her job.
Romo may be exaggerating how much would actually change for broadcasters like him. It"s unlikely CBS would ask him to give gambling advice. They might just occasionally mention point spreads and totals.
With millions of Americans betting on football, it"s no surprise that gambling is a big part of the conversation. But it"s also understandable why Romo and others might be hesitant to talk about it too much, as it could change the relationship between the NFL and gambling.
