How New NFL Sports Betting Deal Will Change Way We Consume Football

The way we consume the pro football is about to change. NFL sports betting is going mainstream. In a deal that may have come as a surprise to many, the NFL announced a tri-deal with DraftKings, FanDuel, and Caesars Entertainment to become their first-ever Official Sports Betting Partners. The bombshell deal was dropped April 15 in a release by the league, detailing the terms. Getting the most profitable sports league in the world in on sports betting is a huge step up for the industry. What exactly does the deal entail? To what extent will sportsbooks be ingrained in the NFL and their broadcasts? Let’s break it down.

What NFL sports betting deal means for sportsbooks

Each sportsbook has their own set of privileges and details of their deal with the NFL that differs from the others. To start, all three will have betting content available directly in the NFL app and NFL.com. That means live odds, lines, props, etc. will be linked right to NFL-run apps and websites each week. The sportsbooks will also offer NFL-sponsored free-to-play contests for their users. Also benefiting the sportsbooks in this deal will be the allowed usage of highlights, NextGen Stats, and game footage that will certainly be used in their apps and online. Now, fans will be able to see the most impactful plays on betting lines directly from the sportsbooks themselves.

DraftKings and NFL RedZone

One of the major items listed in the NFL’s release was a partnership with DraftKings that “includes integrations across NFL Media properties including a continued prominent presence within the NFL RedZone channel.” While specific details weren’t in the release, we can expect this integration to look similar to fantasy football data that’s already a part of the program and other coverage. Live odds, real-time impact, and NextGen stats will likely be included in the integration. Scott Hanson may now dedicate some of his continuous airtime to over/unders, point spreads, and betting breakdowns during RedZone. In addition, DraftKings renewed its exclusive deal with the NFL to be the league’s official Daily Fantasy Sports partner. Pregame broadcasts and tickers will continue displaying fantasy stats and updates as games progress. However, we can expect increased coverage in application of DFS price value and how betting lines apply to DFS strategy. “The way fans consume sports years from now will look drastically different,” is how DraftKings CEO Jason Robins puts it in a released statement from DK. “We share the same vision as the NFL on fan engagement and believe this agreement will lead to new innovations that will ultimately enhance both the product on the field and on the screen.”

FanDuel

FanDuel becomes the NFL’s newest partner and– like DraftKings– will be allowed usage of NFL highlights and footage directly in their app and on their website to bring a more developed experience for their users. FD will also add NextGen stats to their repertoire of data for bettors to access all in one place. No more flipping between tabs and windows and bettors will have a chance to make better-informed decisions. The biggest development for FanDuel is their integration into seven NFL Network pregame broadcasts in 2021. Specifics aren’t yet available on what this exactly will entail, but we’ll likely see extended segments or even entire pregame shows with FanDuel branding. The NFL Network will likely discuss spreads, over/unders, and where bettors are going with their money for that week’s biggest games.

Caesars Entertainment

Caesars Entertainment– the NFL’s longest gaming partner– continues their role as the NFL’s Official Casino Sponsor. Per the NFL’s release, Caesars is also expanding its relationship with the league. Caesars CEO Tom Reeg says in the release, “Fans can enjoy an enhanced experience at our casinos, in our sportsbooks, and online—all while earning Caesars Rewards credits and tier status that they can use to unlock incredible experiences.” In short, the NFL’s ties with Caesars casinos will be strengthening. On the sportsbook side of the business, Caesars is closing in on acquiring William Hill. They will also have events at the 2022 Pro Bowl and 2022 NFL Draft, the latter of which is scheduled to take place in Las Vegas. The specifics were left out, but sports betting is becoming more accessible to fans as the legalization of sports betting expands throughout the country. The announcement of the deal with DraftKings, FanDuel, and Caesars Entertainment was certainly a surprise, with many expecting the NFL to maintain its previous stance against sports gaming. For users of these sportsbooks, it means a better overall experience when betting pro football. For fans, it means increased accessibility to the world of sports gaming. No matter how you spin it, consumers of football are about to get a more in-depth and rewarding experience.