The NFL is sending mixed messaging with regard to sports betting, on one hand strict and controlling and on the other counting the money.
Falcons owner Arthur Blank spoke to Daniel Kaplan of Frontofficesports.com on the topic.
“Once the Supreme Court made its decision, gambling is here. The league’s position on it has been: Protect the game at all costs, which obviously is absolutely critical. And all the ramifications of that in terms of club personnel, players, betting—I haven’t even walked into a casino [in Las Vegas this week]. I don’t want to be seen there. Theoretically, if I wanted to go to the slots I could—I’m not even sure . . . But it is what it is. The league will be a participant, and they are a participant in all the economics that have come out of it. Hopefully, the league is being sensitive and promoting responsible betting, because we all know that some of these things can become addictions."
One line stands out like a seven-dollar bill.
“If I wanted to go to the slots I could – I"m not even sure."
That sums up the issue or confuses it or explains the confusion.
With the Chiefs defeating the 49ers in Las Vegas in the Superbowl there were record numbers of wagers and it has opened up the debate once again.
Which side NFL falls is not certain?
The NFL is concerned about protecting the image of the game but allows owners 5% stake in companies with sports betting operations.
The NFL wants its cake, and it wants to eat it.
If the owners are unsure of the policy or lack of a policy, then something needs to be done or seen to be done at the very least.
