Gambling Issues

Mobile betting to be offered at Raiders Stadium

The $1.9 billion, 65,000 seat stadium the Raiders are due to move into in 2020 could be even better than first expected with news that fans will be able to bet on their mobile phones whilst at the stadium. The lease proposed last week, that was unanimously approved, prohibits any wagering or gambling to take place at stadium kiosks or stalls, but nowhere was there anything prohibiting doing so on mobile phones. Las Vegas sportsbooks have offered mobile sportsbook apps for years, so this is an expected step.

The NFL has always had an issue with gambling, and the league could still try and block the betting on mobile phone apps. Roger Goodell and the NFL are yet to outline their policy on the matter, but if history is anything to go by then it will most likely be the un-popular opinion, which in this case would likely see the apps banned.

How the sportsbook apps themselves would be banned specifically within the stadium is an interesting topic. The use of such apps in Nevada is perfectly legal, and Nevada Gaming Commission Chairman Tony Alamo told ESPN “The Nevada Gaming Commission is the policy maker for the state of Nevada and gaming, and they have not approached us in any shape, way or form”.

So how would the NFL block it being used in the stadium, but then perfectly legal once you are outside it? Geo-targeting does exist where certain locations are blocked from accessing specific content, but the accuracy of said methods would be key in this scenario.

Las Vegas to offer betting odds on NFL Draft

Its been just over two weeks since the Vegas Raiders were announced and already the way we bet on the NFL is changing. For the first time ever Las Vegas spotbooks are now offering odds on the 2017 NFL draft, which markets like when will the first kicker be drafted, how many quarterbacks will be selected in the first round and whether there will be more offensive or defensive players drafted in the first round.

Naturally all the action seems focused on the first round seeing as it is nationally televised and includes all the big-name prospects, rather than the latter few days which seem to drag on (unless you’re a player that’s drafted of course!). It may seem limited in the options available, but this is a huge step forward already.

You still won’t be able to bet on what pick a certain player will be drafted as there are laws and regulations against betting on something that could influence the decision of that pick, but nonetheless the wide array of markets means there should be something for everyone.

This is a strong step in the right direction, and who knows what other markets this will open up for both the games and anything else NFL related once the Raiders do actually move. There are already a significant number of betting markets for the NFL, but there is no doubt this will open up some more down the line.

Suddenly the draft has become even more important for some of us; make sure the Raiders pick the right player and win you some money in the process!

Raiders players in Vegas Arm Wrestling investigation

Mershawn Lynch hasn’t even joined the Raiders yet* and he’s already in trouble with the NFL authorities over his links to gambling in Vegas.

The former, or current, or retired running back with the Seattle Seahawks has reportedly taken part in an arm-wrestling contest in Las Vegas. Along with Steelers linebacker, James Harrison, Lynch captained a team in the 2017 Pro contest with the aim of raising money for charity. Other NFL players taking part include Kenny Stills (watch out Kenny, your owner was the one who voted against the Raiders move to Vegas), NaVorro Bowman and Patrick Chung plus our very own punter and showman Marquette King and defensive end Mario Edwards.

The NFL authorities are not impressed by the event taking place in a casino. Just last year they prevented Tony Romo from appearing at a Fantasy Football promotional event in Vegas for just that reason.

USA Today solicited an interview with Joe Lockhart, the NFL’s executive vice president for communications. He said, “Had we been asked in advance if this was acceptable, we would have indicated that it was in direct violation of the gambling policy. No one sought pre-approval.”

Apparently the gaming machines were switched off around the players to try and circumvent the problems, but that hasn’t stopped the NFL sending a crack squad of investigators storming up to Vegas in order to investigate. Er, guys, you’re too late. And why go anyway? The players hardly tried hiding the fact, it’s all over their social media pages.

I’ll leave the conclusion to the aforementioned Mr King. When asked on twitter if he had any advice for someone’s son who wanted to become a punter, the response was, “Stay away from arm wrestling competitions”

*Will he or won’t he? Watch this space.

Strip Clubs and the Vegas Raiders

Whenever there’s an opportunity these days, somebody is prepared to jump in, make a quick profit or benefit themselves and “to hell with the consequences”.

We’ve seen it elsewhere just this week. One particularly idiotic member of the US military in Okinawa, Japan, decided to get out of her tree on drink and then drive the wrong way down a road, hitting two cars and injuring people. Result is an alcohol ban on ALL military personnel in Japan.

And so we have it in Vegas. Surprise, surprise. A “gentlemen’s club” (meaning strip joint) has issued an offer of free limo transfers and free lap dances to all Las Vegas Raiders players so long as they remain on the roster.

I’m not mentioning their name here, because all they want is publicity and to hell with the consequences.

What might those consequences be? Well, it doesn’t take a genius to think what those owners of a more puritanical bent will think. And they all have a vote on if the Raiders get to move to Las Vegas in the first place. Roger Goodell might still be alive, but he sure won’t be impressed by this opportunistic and premature marketing ploy.

Raiders Players Tempted by Gambling

Some sports journalists have expressed fears over the implications of the Raider’s players being exposed to legalized gambling if they move to Las Vegas. Commentators have warned that the Nevada city’s casinos offer a huge distraction for players who should be concentrating on their game and some have even suggested a link between excessive wagering and the potential for corruption.

Discussing the move on PFT Live on NBC Sports Radio, Tom Curran of CSN New England questioned whether the NFL should be worried about some of its players residing amongst the temptations of Sin City when not practicing or taking part in games.

Concerns have been raised that living in Vegas might not just be damaging for Raiders players’ wallets; suggestions have been made that those who lose large amounts of cash on the slots and tables of some of the world’s biggest casinos could find themselves tempted to supply gamblers with confidential information, such as details of performances or injuries, in return for payment. The doomsday scenario is that this could quickly degenerate into match fixing or point shaving, but commentators have also noted that the distraction that casinos might provide could end up having a similarly damaging effect on a player’s form.

NFL players and staff across the country are currently allowed to take part in gambling at race tracks and in legitimate casinos during their spare time, in accordance with the league’s guidelines, but some in the industry are urging a change to be made if the current Oakland team is to become the Las Vegas Raiders.