Official betting is an exciting development in the sports world. In addition to the obvious appeal of wagering on favorite teams, it also provides fans with a unique and interactive experience.
The NFL has made several steps in the direction of officially incorporating betting into the league. The league contacted gaming operators, governing bodies, and sports entities to determine what would be necessary in order for official betting to thrive. It concluded that it would require substantial licensing and regulatory requirements. This would include a clear, legal market, and a substantial degree of protection for consumers.
To date, the NFL has struck several international sportsbook sponsorships. These include sponsorships in Germany, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Also, it licensed its video content to sportsbooks across the globe.
The NFL has also been able to build partnerships with betting operators and operators of the league’s games. Some of these are already operating. Others are expected to launch in the future.
One of the most recent deals has been with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Under the agreement, DraftKings will become the official betting partner of the UFC. They will also have the rights to use the UFC’s marks and logos. Once the agreement is finalized, DraftKings will be able to generate in-game betting lines for the UFC, as well as provide daily fantasy services.
Aside from the UFC, the PGA TOUR has also taken steps to bring official betting into the sports world. It has partnered with IMG Arena to license live scoring data, and it has established a robust integrity program.