After a Supreme Court ruling in 2018, legal sports betting is now available in 35 states. Almost every state is now home to multiple sportsbooks that have established rigorous licensing regimes to ensure integrity and consumer safety.
Whether it’s an online or brick-and-mortar operation, bettors can now find the odds and lines they want in a variety of ways. In some states, major brands have set up shop, while others have partnered with local companies. Regardless, sportsbooks must follow strict licensing rules, as well as state and federal gambling laws.
While the NFL has not taken a public position on legalized betting, it is taking steps to prevent potential problems. It has beefed up in-house technology and hired a team of people dedicated to monitoring the sports wagering market. It’s also partnering with integrity firms to identify inappropriate bettors. Several players, including former Detroit Lions receiver Quintez Cephus and Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney, have been suspended for at least one year after placing bets on NFL games.
Aside from the NFL, most other professional leagues have no official stance on sports gambling. However, many have embraced it in some way. For example, the National Hockey League has partnered with sportsbooks and signed sponsorship deals with William Hill and MGM Resorts International. It has also established a partnership with the Nevada Gaming Control Board to monitor bets on its teams. In addition, the NHL’s expansion franchise in Las Vegas, the Vegas Golden Knights, has already signed a deal with William Hill.