The United States Football League (USFL) is a professional American football league that recently returned after being away for more than three decades. Unlike most professional sporting leagues, the USFL has openly embraced sports betting.
In the 1980s, the league openly supported sports betting, fostering a community that left a lasting impact on the industry. Their progressive approach paved the way for the legalization and regulation of sports betting nationwide.
Paving the Way for the Legalization of Sports Betting
Sports betting was not fully legalized across the United States until the Supreme Court’s 2018 decision struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). This decision allowed states to legalize and regulate sports betting, which is legal in 38 states, with a few like Georgia and Idaho not allowing it.
However, according to gambling writer Nick Pappas, both offshore fiat and crypto betting sites are accessible to all states, even those where online gambling and sports betting aren’t allowed. This is because several jurisdictions across the globe have strict gambling laws and licensed online sportsbooks and casinos are heavily regulated, making them perfectly safe, though players are encouraged to ensure offshore choices have been vetted for features like good bonuses and safety features before using one.
Inspiring Partnerships with Sportsbooks
The USFL played a massive role in paving the way for the legalization of sports betting, even though it was short-lived. When the USFL made its comeback in 2022, it eagerly embraced legalized sports betting, forming partnerships with sportsbooks and major brands like FedEx, Apple, and T-Mobile.
In February 2022, the league agreed to a multi-year partnership with Sportradar, establishing Sportradar as the official sports data partner of the USFL. The partnership was the start of safeguarding the league from match-fixing and betting-related issues.
The resurgence of the USFL in 2022 coincided with the legalization of sports betting in the U.S. prompting the league to seize the chance to interact with fans and increase revenue. By introducing betting options and offering fans opportunities to bet on games the USFL showcased how sports betting could fuel the success of leagues.
With sports betting gaining acceptance professional leagues have realized the potential for forming partnerships with sportsbooks to boost revenue and connect with their fan base. The USFL’s example has shown that these partnerships can be mutually beneficial for both the league and the online casino and sports betting industry.
Increasing Fan Engagement
The USFL’s revival has led to a surge in fan engagement and interest, which has translated into increased betting activity. With the league openly embracing sports betting and partnerships with sportsbooks, fans of the league have more opportunities than ever to wager on matches, and their favorite team, and indulge in live betting while streaming the match. This has resulted in a boost in revenue for the league and the betting industry.
Influencing Rule Changes and Game Format
The USFL’s unique rules and different approaches to overtime have influenced how the games are played, and consequently, how bets are placed:
Modified Scoring Dynamics
The USFL’s rules regarding extra points, such as the option for one, two, or three-point conversions, have changed the scoring dynamics of games. This creates opportunities for bettors to adjust their strategies based on the likelihood of teams going for higher-value conversions in certain situations. The potential for a team to tie the game with a touchdown and three-point conversion also alters the risk-reward calculations for bettors.
Increased Unpredictability
The USFL’s unique rules, like allowing two forward passes behind the line of scrimmage and the unique overtime format, introduce more unpredictability into games. This unpredictability can make it so much harder to predict the outcomes based on historical data and trends, requiring bettors to adapt their strategies to the league’s unique characteristics.
Prop Bet Opportunities
The USFL’s rules open up new possibilities for prop bets, such as wagers on whether a team will go for a one-, two-, or three-point conversion after a touchdown. These unique prop betting opportunities can be especially fascinating for bettors who closely follow the league’s developments and understand the importance of the rule changes.
Emphasis on Current Season Performance
Given the USFL’s unique rules and the unpredictable nature of the league, bettors need to place more emphasis on current season performance rather than relying heavily on historical data. Analyzing player and team statistics from the current season, as well as understanding coaching strategies and how they adapt to the USFL’s rules, becomes crucial for successful betting.
Legal Implications
As the USFL continues to establish itself as a professional sports league, it must navigate the legal implications of sports betting. While some states have already legalized sports betting and have regulations in place, others are still in the process of figuring out their stance. The USFL will have to comply with both state laws and federal laws such as the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA).
Conclusion
Sports betting has had a significant impact on the USFL, driving increased fan engagement and revenue, influencing the league’s unique rules and game format, and presenting both opportunities and challenges in terms of partnerships and legal implications. As the USFL continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how it navigates the evolving sports betting landscape.
