NFL and Government Really Are OK With Gambling

NFL

So, the NFL and government are really OK with using their facilities to promote gambling. Sure lottery games are legal in most states, but how is the government-run lottery any different than casino gambling? Even in states that have gambling lottery games are still the easiest way for most people to gamble.

This year the NFL sued Delaware for “trying” to keep sports betting illegal. At the same time the NFL has approved the use of its logos and teams for more and more state lottery games. New Jersey has become the latest state to allow NFL marketing as part of their lottery games.

In New Jersey, the lottery is running a promotion that will give scratch off losers the opportunity to win a New York Giants fan pack. It is directly using the Giants popularity to sell gambling to the masses in the state.

“This is one of the worst ideas that NFL owners have ever had,” said CGW Business analyst Steve Schwartz, “More children watch football than ever before, and now, the lottery is throwing these scratch off tickets in their face, hypothetically saying, ‘hey, if you really like your team, buy these tickets and try to win merchandise with your team’s logo.'”

The fact that the NFL is being hypocritical is not surprising to most fans who have come to accept that the league plays by its own rules. What is best for NFL owners is law, and right now, that means promoting gambling in these tough economic times.

I find the hypocrisy both annoying and bothersome. If the NFL felt strongly about gambling they wouldn’t have their name and likeness anywhere near lotteries. Lotteries are the cheapest and easiest way for people to become addicted to gambling. Some would call it a gateway drug like marijuana. I’m never surprised by corporate or government double talk, but I don’t have to like it.

Photo: Aio Wallpaper