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by npkarnik 3913 days ago
I used to think this exactly...but now, given how heavily the NFL, NFLPA, and individual teams have been promoting Draftkings/FanDuel, it's obvious that the business model involves paying kickbacks to all the important stakeholders in the sport.

And regarding how relatively chummy the NFL is with elected officials, don't forget that commissioner Roger Goddell's father was both a senator and representative from NY state. That's just one data point, but there are probably a lot of backroom conversations that we don't know about. I think there's too much legitimate money at stake for there to be a online poker-like, "Black Friday" type event for the daily fantasy scam.

3 comments

I agree, but to be fair, the NFL has long known that a huge driver of its popularity is gambling related.
This is true, but major leagues have a hostile relationship with sportsbooks in Nevada since the latter keep all the vig, rather than share it with the respective leagues.

It appears the DFS executives are paying the right people, whether in broadcasting, sports leagues and/or lawmakers.

You're right, the leagues aren't huge fans of sportsbooks, but that's only the official gambling that is going on. There's at least twice as much happening offshore and unofficially.
Jerry Jones and Bob Kraft are both investors in Draft Kings
As are Fox, MLB, NHL, and MLS.
Draftkings have been running ads heavily on Saturdays for college football. I think it's more than ESPN; I remember seeing the commercials on CBS as well.
Has been featured in the recent episodes of The League on FX as well.