Given the popularity of the sport, it’s no surprise that there is a link between gambling sponsorships and the NFL.
The National Football League is a global sport, but one that is significantly built on its American (home) audience. Although it may have been expanding into new markets in recent years, such as in the UK, Germany, South America, and Asia – the vast majority of it’s market is back in the US.
According to figures, more than 51% of America’s total population is interested in American football at some level, with over 140 million between 13 and 64 having engaged with the sport and league in some capacity over the last 12 months.
As a result, this has led to several opportunities for gambling companies across the country, especially as their own market landscapes are starting to change and shift in favorable terms. Gambling has started to enjoy widespread traction in recent years Stateside, as there have been changes in legislation that has allowed players to enhance their experiences of the sports that they watch.
We’ve also seen it start to happen in terms of casino games, with some states allowing players to enjoy titles that are based on their favorite sports, such as the NFL. With the casino industry beginning to become more accepted, this comprehensive guide can be a great way to learn about all the different types of bonuses that are available, helping to create a better and potentially more positive experience, should the activity become legal elsewhere.
Indeed, it’s worth knowing what types of promotions are available, as these don’t appear to be going anywhere soon. The gambling industry is changing, and it’s using the NFL to help it grow with the use of sponsorships.
NFL and Gambling Sponsorships
As mentioned, the NFL is the most-watched sport in the US, therefore it’s no real shock that it has become the most popular for American gambling brands and firms in 2024 to look to sponsor, as it’s one in which many are already enjoying. For instance, many like to engage in making their NFL predictions ahead of the season and coming back to them at later stages to see how accurate they were.
As a result, there are various operators who have already struck deals with the league and its franchises to be exclusive sponsors, helping to generate revenue for the sport and increase eyes on the products that are being offered by the sportsbooks.
Of course, while the sponsorship with the league will primarily look to take advantage of American football and look to promote that side of sports betting, fans of other sports can become interested in what is being offered. Sportsbooks are able to provide several different betting markets across various different sports, giving fans of basketball, ice hockey, soccer, and more, the opportunity to enhance their viewing pleasure of each sport in a new light.
By simply targeting the sport that has the most fans in America, betting operators are able to target a bigger audience and potentially attract different types of bettors to their product, without having to advertise or create sponsorships with other sports.
Could the creation of NFL betting sponsorships expand further reach for both?
As highlighted, the NFL is a global sport that has started to expand its reach in recent years. Over the last decade, we have seen the number of games taking place in London begin to expand each year. At one stage, there was just one per season; now, there are three taking place in the UK’s capital. At the same time, Germany has been added in recent years as part of the European program, with the NFL keen to capitalize on the interest that is being enjoyed.
NFL teams will not actively promote any type of sponsorships that they have like they may in soccer (wearing the brand on their jersey), but the fact that they are creating presences within new countries, as well as the league as its own brand, gambling companies are potentially starting to experience their own worldwide boosts.
With more people likely to click on NFL.com, use the league’s app, or visit their team’s specific websites, the betting companies are likely to have their sponsorship highlighted in a visual way on the site. This will be placed in a place where it’s difficult to miss, forcing visitors to see it. This can encourage a click-through, and if the brand is available in that country, it can become the option that some decide to use.
Of course, the gambling industry is already widespread and is a major industry across several countries, especially as there are many that have a culture that has an affinity with the activity. However, as the sport of American football and the NFL continues to grow and expand its footprint in corners of the world that it’s yet to fully reach, the betting firms that have sponsorships with the league and it’s franchises can only benefit further.
