Quote:
SRU:
Its pretty simple, sports leagues are against sports wagering because they aren't getting a cut of the proceeds,
|
It is simple, but more complicated. Here are a couple of other factors to consider:
Remember that the NFL came into existence partly as a way for several rich bootleggers, bookmakers, and racketeers to become "respectable" and to moneywash their fortunes. Something of the original stigma of being lowlife outsiders remains with the league's owners, and so part of the opposition to gambling stems from that as a kind of "reaction formation." They want/need to appear to be against things like gambling and other vices, which are basically responsible for their being in league in the first place.
Second, unrelated to gambling but perhaps relevant, both the NCAA and the NFL are in significantly (NCAA) and slightly (NFL) weakened legal positions than they were a couple of years ago. The O'Bannon trial may destroy the NCAA as a cartel, and the NFL is under considerable pressure from the concussion scandal which still has many acts to follow. Both might be more sensitive to appearing to be taking money out of the states where their leagues operate during a time when public revenues are under extreme pressure.
The biggest reason leagues are opposed is that no league wants the additional regulation and pressure for the licensing of owners that will come in any state with fully legalized gambling and which is home to a pro sports team (this is I believe the biggest reason there will not be any pro sports teams in Nevada. Please correct if wrong.) If this concern of the leagues can be gotten around, and they can maintain their appearance of opposition to gambling, it could work.
