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.