NFL appoints David Highhill as first general manager of sports betting

w – images.unsplash.com

The National Football League (NFL) announced David Highhill on Tuesday as the first person who will fill the position of the executive of the sports betting business. With his official title of vice president and general manager of sports betting he is tasked to keep watch of everything between the NFL and the sports betting industry.

This is a huge promotion for Highhill who has been with the League for the past 10 years. Before his promotion, he was a part of the corporate strategy group. Highhill was the leader of the sports betting initiatives.

In his new position, Highhill will be responsible for the impact of sports betting on the NFL including protecting the game integrity from any harm caused by gambling. He will also improve the brand and reputation of the League, as well as the value of data and intellectual property of the NFL. Most importantly, Highhill will put the effort into improving the engagement of worldwide fans.

Highhill then mentioned the NFL is aware and is watchful of the possible betting content in games and there are fans who dislike gambling.

“We know there is a profile of fans that are most interested and a profile of fans that are less interested,” Highhill spoke to ESPN.

“So serving fans where they are is very important and that goes right alongside with supporting our relationship with the National Council on Problem Gambling and insuring that we take a leadership position on problem gambling.”

Sports betting started growing outside of Nevada in 2018 when the United States Supreme Court revoke the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992.

The federal rule regulated sports betting to only be held in the state of Nevada. As the rule was repealed, gambling is now available in 30 states as well as the District of Columbia with five recently passed legislation.

“It’s a growing market, it’s grown a lot in the last three or four seasons,” said Highhill. “What’s ahead is the exciting part of the opportunity.”