The NFL announced Tuesday that DraftKings and FanDuel are returning as sports betting partners, joining newcomer Fanatics in signing new multi-year deals.
The commercial agreements mean the three operators can use NFL trademarks for their online and retail sportsbooks, according to the release. Other perks include a presence at NFL tentpole events like the NFL Draft and Super Bowl as well as integrations across NFL-owned digital media properties.
The three agreed to the league’s core game integrity policies, which means they will work together on sharing sports betting data and responsible gambling initiatives. That means banning bets the league finds “objectionable,” including bets concerning officiating and injuries.
Fanatics is also an official online casino partner while DraftKings is continuing its exclusive DFS partnership.
What they said about NFL deal
Fanatics Betting and Gaming CEO Matt King said the company is “thrilled” to expand its partnership with the NFL beyond merchandise.
“This deal underscores our vision for Fanatics as a true digital sports platform – a single destination where fans can bet, play and engage with the NFL all in one place, making the experience of being a fan better than ever,” King said.
Stephanie Sherman, chief marketing officer at DraftKings, underscored the importance of the NFL by noting “nothing compares to football season.” FanDuel President Christian Genetski said the company will continue to “find new ways for fans to engage” with the games.
All three companies “share our vision for innovation and fan engagement,” said NFL Chief Revenue Officer Renie Anderson.
Other objectionable bets
The league also finds bets “that can be knowable in advance or easily manipulated by a single person” objectionable.
Those are not as clear cut as the officiating and injury bets and leave room for interpretation. “Knowable in advance” could end bets on the color of the Gatorade shower at the end of the Super Bowl. The first offensive drive for each team is also usually scripted and practiced throughout the week, so it could possibly lead to no live betting during those drives.
“Manipulated by a single person” could mean the end of some player props, which are some of the most popular bets.
