NASCAR, NFL Encourage Responsible Sports Betting

Like anything that explodes in popularity so quickly, the world of sports wagering has to be careful as it becomes less stigmatized. It’s the topic of responsible gaming where things get interesting. Although wagering on sports can be extremely fun and even sometimes profitable if done right, it’s always a major risk. This level of risk has started to prompt more sports leagues to encourage responsible gaming, which is an essential message to teach as leagues begin partnering with the major sportsbooks out there. Here’s how some of the biggest names in sports are approaching the new gambling-centric landscape.

NASCAR Pledges Responsible Gaming

While it might not get the amount of betting cash flowing as football, basketball, or baseball, NASCAR definitely gets attention from sports bettors. Major sportsbooks such as DraftKings and Caesars offer motorsports bets that include NASCAR events such as the upcoming Daytona 500. The organization must have noticed that bettors are starting to put their money on NASCAR events, as they’ve started making the moves to encourage responsible gambling.

NASCAR is hoping to encourage responsible sports gaming, according to managing director of sports betting Joe Solosky. This is especially considering some of the recent partnerships from the motorsports organization. Some of the better-known drivers in the sport have started partnering up with the big U.S. sportsbooks. For example, Richard Childress Racing has teamed up with BetMGM Sportsbook while Bubba Wallace has signed on with DraftKings Sportsbook. NASCAR itself forged a partnership with the American Gaming Association over a year ago. NASCAR also fully endorsed the American Gaming Association’s “Have a Game Plan, Bet Responsibly” campaign that encouraged sports bettors to approach it in a responsible manner. Since NASCAR views sports betting as a vital way to encourage continued growth, it’s been transparent in its efforts to promote wagering in a responsible fashion.

NFL Follows Suit With Responsible Gaming Campaign

NASCAR isn’t the only organization that’s committing itself to responsible sports gambling. In October, the NFL announced a $6.2 million campaign focused entirely on responsible sports betting. The campaign also features a partnership with the National Council on Problem Gambling. The NFL’s involvement especially makes sense, considering some data suggests that 45 million Americans plan on wagering on NFL games this year, representing a 36% jump from last season. The recently-premiered PSAs encourage viewers to keep track of their bets, stick to certain limits, and never go over their budget.

Expect More Responsible Gaming in the Future

With a large amount of betting-related commercials airing throughout the day, it’s not surprising that leagues like the NFL and NASCAR are campaigning for bettors to know their limits. With an ongoing trajectory for sports betting, this is definitely going to be an ongoing trend. We’ve recently seen big numbers from states from Arizona and Connecticut shortly after legalization, and Ontario and New York appear ready to launch sooner rather than later. As long as bettors view sports betting the right way and know their limits, the formerly distant worlds of sports organizations and sports betting platforms can continue to grow together.