Many sports organizations have joined the NFL bandwagon against legalized sports betting in the United States. The NBA, NCAA and others have stated, along with the NFL, their opposition of sports betting being legal in the United States. One sports organization that is not worried is NASCAR. The racing giant is not worried about their players gambling as long as they don’t bet on their races.

The NFL and other organizations want their players to steer clear of gambling and believe most kinds threaten the organizations integrity and reputation. The NFL commissioner Roger Goodell commented in a letter to Delaware governor about their opposition to the state adding sports betting, the letter stated: “State-promoted gambling not only adds to the pressure on our coaches and players, but creates suspicion and cynicism toward every on-the-field mistake that affects the betting line.”

NASCAR has stated they have no problem with their drivers or the crew members visiting local casinos during race week. Part of this may be due to the fact that many of the sponsors are casinos and gambling companies.

Ramsey Poston, the director of corporate communications for NASCAR commented: “our competitors know not to gamble on NASCAR events. They’re welcome to go to the casinos to play the slots or the table games. The bottom line is, many of our fans love to gamble in a legal and fun way.”



- 2009-06-01