Whether we are watching football at bars, our homes, our workplaces, or anyplace else for that matter, more than 40% of people around the world say we are somewhat interested in football.
Every time we turn on the television or browse the internet, it seems like we are bombarded with advertisements for online casinos and regulated sports betting.
The open discussion of gambling odds by TV experts during betting breaks before and after games have become regular.
Which shows a massive change over the situation a few years ago, when the majority of sports leagues opposed the idea of betting on their games.
It’s reasonable to say that every sports rights holder is looking for new ways to include fans because it allows them more opportunities to engage with the game.
Consider this in 2005, WHO banned all tobacco advertising and promotions around the world.
Consumer lawsuits and investigations revealed the tobacco industry was doing everything it could to keep consumers hooked on a dangerous product.
However, if you watch sports television these days, they will rave about how you can place bets throughout the game on everything from the coin toss to which player will catch the ball first.
They will exaggerate the appeal of multiple bets and other supposedly risk-free wagers that carry significant risks.
There is a price.
It can be devastating.