NFL still not ready for a sports betting partnership

An official from the National Football League (NFL) confided that the league still hasn’t opened up a category for a sports betting operator partnership.

US.- The start of the National Football League (NFL) season on September 5 is one of the most anticipated events in the United States. With legalised sports betting being severely expanded in the country, it was expected that the league would be ready for a sports betting operator partnership. However, an official from the NFL has confirmed that this won’t happen in time for the kickoff.

Christopher Halpin, the NFL’s Chief Strategy & Growth Officer, told Reuters that the sports betting partnership category isn’t even open. He said that they may experiment with sportsbook partnerships in other international markets before making the move in the US.

The NFL has already struck casino partnerships with Caesars Entertainment and an official data provider partnership with sportsbook Sportradar. However, it has yet to achieve a sports betting partnership like other major sports leagues in the US.

The NFL hosted a media event to launch its 100th season on Tuesday. Halpin said that the NFL is being thoughtful and continuing to expand, and he also analysed the market. He said that the NFL is the most popular league but regarding betting, loyal fans are not gambling. He said that approximately one-fifth of NFL fans place bets. Thus, the NFL does not want to alienate fans by rushing into sports betting too quickly.