NFL Responds to Supreme Court Action Legalizing Gambling

The NFL issued a statement in response to the legalization of sports gambling.

Tim Heitman
USA Today Sports

Image via USA Today Sports

Tim Heitman

Last week, the Supreme Court legalized sports gambling across the United States. It was exciting news for gamblers and for sport entities such as the NBA, which had long recognized the potential revenue steam and advocated for the legalization.

Other sport entities, however—such as the NCAA and NFL—were likely less than thrilled with the decision. The NFL has long suggested that legalizing gambling would compromise the integrity of the game, releasing a statement to involve Congress to enact a "core regulatory framework."

"The NFL's long-standing and unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity of our game remains absolute. Congress has long-recognized the potential harms posed by sports betting to the integrity of sporting contests and the public confidence in these events. Given that history, we intend to call on Congress again, this time to enact a core regulatory framework for legalized sports betting."

Commissioner Roger Goodell and the league issued a statement Monday morning reiterating that sentiment.

"Our fans, our players and our coaches deserve to know that we are doing everything possible to ensure no improper influences affect how the game is played on the field," Goodell wrote. "This week's ruling by the Supreme Court has no effect on that unwavering commitment."

The league asked Congress to "enact uniform standards" for the states that do opt to legalize sports gambling. The league outlined the "four core principles" it is hoping Congress will implement to protect the game's integrity.

.@nflcommish statement on sports betting and the need for uniform standards pic.twitter.com/mri5KuJFf0

Wagering on NFL games, of course, is nothing new—it's just the legality of it within the U.S. that will be new. The league has known this action was coming for a long time and has prepared its personnel for it in recent months.

Sources: The owners were presented with the findings of a previously secret study on gambling and the patterns of behavior associated with it. They received an update on technology and made sure the league is ready in case it is legalized.

Delaware may, surprisingly, beat New Jersey to enacting the new legislation.

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