NFL wants federal rules on sports betting, as team owners clear casinos for sponsorship

The NFL and NCAA have issued a joint statement calling for federal standards on sports betting.

The move comes in the wake of an historic decision by NFL owners this week to allow sponsorships with casinos that operate sportsbooks.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said yesterday that a federal framework is needed to “prevent uncertainty and confusion for the leagues, state governments, consumers and fans.”

Republican Senator Orrin Hatch said he plans to introduce federal sports betting legislation to the House.

In a joint statement today, the NFL and NCAA said: “We applaud the leadership demonstrated by Senators Hatch and Schumer in supporting federal legislation to protect the integrity of our games.”

The NFL owners’ committee reportedly came up with its own set of rules in a phone conference meeting on Monday, clearing the way for teams to sell sponsorships to casinos and daily fantasy sites, but not to advertise sportsbooks directly.

Teams will also be free to sell stadium naming rights to casinos and share logo IP in their advertising and promotions.