NFL chief reiterates opposition to sports betting in US

Roger Goodell, commissioner of the NFL, has reiterated that the American football league is “strongly” against the legalisation of sports betting across the US.

Nevada is the only state in which sports betting is legal, and last month posted record betting figures for the NFL’s showpiece 2017 Super Bowl event.

However, studies regularly show that illegal wagering is rife across the country, with punters betting via unregulated operators.

A number of states have this year introduced bills in an effort to legalise sports betting, with New Jersey, New York, Michigan and South Carolina amongst those to have launched campaigns to alter the law in their respective jurisdictions.

However, Goodell said wider regulation could threaten the integrity of the NFL and is keen for the current system to remain in place.

“I think we still strongly oppose legalised sports gambling,” Goodell told media at a recent press gathering in Phoenix, Arizona in the US.

“The integrity of our game is No.1; we will not compromise on that.

“That is a major risk for us; I think we have to make sure that we continue to stay focused on making sure that everyone has full confidence that what you see on the field is not influenced by any outside factors.”

Related articles: Nevada reveals record Super Bowl betting figures

Three states join push for expanded sports betting in US