It is the crisis ! The NFL generates less revenue, which has even led the league to cut the maximum payroll for each team in 2021 (from $ 198 million in 2020 to $ 182.5 million in 2021). So you have to find new income channels, and betting is very popular.
A significant financial windfall for the NFL which was previously rather opposed to betting. According to Christopher Halpin (NFL Executive Vice President for Growth and Strategy), interviewed by the Washington Post, the wait for 2021 is $ 270 million. A figure which is intended to grow.
“We can easily imagine this market growing to exceed one billion dollars before the end of the decade. “
Previously the preserve of the city of Las Vegas, the gambling industry has democratized in the United States with the advent of online betting. More and more states now allow this practice:
- 22 states currently allow sports betting,
- 9 states are on the verge of legalizing betting during the year,
- 17 states have had some legislative activity on this subject in recent years,
- 2 states have not announced anything so far,
- and 1 state – Utah, of Mormon tradition – has an anti-betting position enshrined in its constitution)
One of the biggest challenges ahead for the NFL is therefore the fight against corruption, in a sport where the longevity of most players is extremely short (3.3 years).
