Wednesday, May 27, 2009

NFL Fights Delaware Betting Sports, Yet Promotes Lottery Betting

NFL Fights Delaware Betting Sports, Yet Promotes Lottery Betting

Another round of hypocrisy from the NFL has begun when owners last month abandoned their anti-gambling crusade for the sake of making more money. The owners approved licensing deals with state sponsored lotteries.

Lottery gambling in the U.S. is even more widespread that sports gambling. The NFL has made itself out to be choir boys when it comes to gambling. Simply put, it would not be allowed or accepted. That stance proved to go only as far as NFL owners could stand not making money from gambling.

The Washington Redskins have now become the second team that has signed a licensing deal with a state run lottery. The New England Patriots became the first team earlier last month.


"We envision a game that will link lottery fans with the Redskins in new and exciting ways," said Redskins Chief Operating Officer Mitch Gersham.

One can only assume that when Gersham said "new and exciting", that he was referring to the revenue possibilities for owners. A league that has just weeks ago blasted Delaware for offering a new form of gambling, has now given in to the lure of revenue.

It is expected out of politicians to flip flop on the gambling issue, much like many have over the past few years. There is more casino gambling being legalized in states around the country than ever before.

So where will this new found partnership with gambling end for the NFL? Will they really be able to walk into a court room during their case against Delaware and tell a judge that they are vehemently opposed to gambling? The answer is no.

Once the initial boundaries are broken, they keep becoming looser and looser. The next time a story comes out about the NFL and how they are appalled at the actions of others who are endorsing gambling, simply think back to last month, when league owners took a similar leap of faith.


NFL Fights Delaware Betting Sports, Yet Promotes Lottery Betting

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