Tony Romo’s National Fantasy Football Convention at the Venetian isn’t taking place, after the NFLstepped in and cancelled the event.
The fantasy football convention will now be held next month in Los Angeles. But, the gaming industry’s lobbying group wants to make sure everyone knows their displeasure with the NFL’s decision.
According to NFL policy, “players and league personnel may not participate in promotional activities or other appearances at or in connection with events that are held at or sponsored by casinos.”
A policy the American Gaming Association calls outdated.
“We think these outdated perceptions of what casinos are and what they offer is … frankly quite ridiculous,” Sara Rayme, senior vice president of public affairs with the AGA, told KNPR’s State of Nevada.
Rayme said the AGA will continued to work with the NFL to educate them about the industry, According to the AGA, casino gaming is a $240 billion industry that supports 1.7 million jobs in 40 states.
“There are casinos in Baltimore, in Pittsburgh that are located close to stadiums where professional teams play their games and the sky hasn’t fallen,” Rayme said.
Rayme told KNPR she hopes the NFL will take a look at their policies and bring them into the 21 st century. When asked if fantasy sports, which the NFL supports and participates in, was gambling and should be regulated like sports betting, Rayme was cautious with her answer.
“Obviously, it’s a hot topic right now,” Rayme told KNPR. “It’s something that we are looking at and studying a bit more. Is it a form of gambling, or is it not. It’s incredibly popular.”
Sara Rayme, senior vice president of public affairs, American Gaming Association