• Loading stock data...
Friday, February 7, 2025

NFL Looks To Congress For Help With Rising Gambling Issues

  • League pushes lawmakers to focus more on illegal betting
  • Genius Sports alters terms of recent NFL contract extension
Five NFL players were suspended in April for gambling violations.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL is the latest sports league to turn to the U.S. Congress to help deal with one of its thorniest issues.

In a similar approach to the NCAA’s ongoing appeal for assistance with NIL issues, the NFL used an inquiry into its internal gambling policy to push for federal intervention.

“We believe that additional attention and resources are needed from lawmakers and law enforcement to address the illicit sports betting market, which still has the power of incumbency,” wrote Jonathan Nabavi, NFL vice president of public policy and government affairs.

Ten NFL players have been suspended this year for gambling violations, and Denver Broncos lineman Eyioma Uwazurike is facing a criminal investigation in Colorado. But the NFL’s pitch for federal help has frustrated lawmakers, particularly as the league didn’t answer congressional questions about the number of active investigations into suspicious betting activity, among other matters.

“It’s very disappointing that the NFL has declined to answer our questions and instead pivoted to illegal sports betting generally in their response,” said Rep. Dina Titus (Dem.) of Nevada, who co-chairs the Congressional Gaming Caucus. “It makes one wonder what they are trying to hide.”

New Genius Terms

Genius Sports, the NFL’s official data provider for sportsbooks and media outlets, has altered the terms of its recent three-year rights extension to provide cash payments instead of 4 million warrants in the company. The change is designed to be less dilutive to other shareholders and provide cost certainty for the company.

Cash terms weren’t disclosed, but Genius said it has a minimum of $832.5 million in future commitments for sports data and rights, and the NFL accounts for a “significant majority” of its data rights fees.

The NFL still has 18.5 million vested warrants in Genius collectively worth about $133 million.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Josh Allen

Polymarket Whale Made Huge Late Bets On Josh Allen Winning NFL MVP

Allen’s odds skyrocketed from the 50s to over 90% on Thursday afternoon.
exclusive

Greg Olsen: Fox Relationship Is Positive, But ‘My Aspirations Have Not Changed’

Olsen stood by his Fox colleagues but said his “aspirations have not changed.”

NFL Set to Announce Dublin 2025 Game Featuring Steelers

The NFL will likely play seven international games in 2025

Featured Today

‘Ultimate Throwback’: The Unimpeachable Cool of Hartford Whalers Gear

Nostalgia and street cred have driven a consistent frenzy for merch.
January 20, 2024; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Kristin Juszczyk, wife of San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk (44), before a 2024 NFC divisional round game against the Green Bay Packers at Levi's Stadium.
February 1, 2025

The New WAGs: Sports Wives Building Business Empires

Athletes’ wives and girlfriends are bucking stereotypes and cashing in.
Feb 3, 2019; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears mascot dances on the court during a stoppage in play in the second half against the Stanford Cardinal at Haas Pavilion.
January 31, 2025

The Toll of Bicoastal Travel on New ACC Members Cal and Stanford

Cal and Stanford face missed flights, chaotic sleep schedules, and academic demands.
January 28, 2025

It’s Starting to Pay to Be Good at Cornhole

American Cornhole League players made $7.7 million in 2024.
Feb 5, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles helmets at the Caesars Superdome prior to Super Bowl LIX.

Amid ‘Record’ Super Bowl Betting, Market’s Two Largest Forces Still Reign

FanDuel and DraftKings still dominate the ever-expanding space.
Jan 26, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) walks off the field after winning the NFC Championship game against the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field.
February 3, 2025

Robinhood Suspends Rollout of Super Bowl Betting After CFTC Request

Robinhood has suspended trading of event contracts on the Super Bowl.
Aug 22, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora (13) talks with home plate umpire Pat Hoberg as Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) adjusts his PitchCom device during the second inning at Minute Maid Park.
February 3, 2025

MLB Fires Umpire Pat Hoberg: Third Gambling Scandal in Under a Year

The league terminates the umpire for failing to uphold the game’s integrity.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Terry Rozier
January 30, 2025

Feds Investigating Terry Rozier for NBA Point Shaving

Rozier is eyed in the same investigation that snagged Jontay Porter.
A Delta flight takes off from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on July 12, 2024, in Phoenix.
January 23, 2025

Is Sports Gambling on Planes Next?

A 1962 law prohibits the use of gambling devices on commercial aircraft.
Kelce
January 22, 2025

Prediction Market Company Kalshi to Launch Super Bowl Betting

Crypto.com launched a similar offering recently.
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) hands the ball to running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26).
January 15, 2025

Crypto.com Continues Super Bowl Futures Contract Despite Feds’ Pause Request

A showdown between Crypto.com and the CFTC is on the horizon.