The NFL could bring in several hundred million dollars in revenue this season just from deals with seven sportsbook operators. Given how big a cash cow gambling appears to be, most people connected to the NFL are happy to see the league reap the benefits.
Tony Dungy disagrees.
The former NFL coach works for a network that airs league-sanctioned gambling ads and ads for sportsbooks. Dungy says the ads and the NFL’s partnership with gambling might end his association with the game, according to InsideHook.
“That’s going to be the one thing that drives me out of this,” he said. “We’ve got to do things for sponsors, No. 1. We’ve got to do two or three segments about fantasy football, and gambling. I want to talk about the game. I’m very frustrated by that. I think it’s going to nose its way into our business, and I don’t think it’s good.”
It’s a noble sentiment, and for many in pro sports, an unpopular one. The NFL for decades fought widespread legal sports betting, but has now embraced it. While the legendary coach and broadcaster may not like it, gambling is here to stay, and so are those ubiquitous ads.
