The NRL’s five-year deal to play premiership matches in Las Vegas opens the opportunity for every team to access the fan base, the athlete pool and, importantly, the wagering market of the world’s richest country.

A five-year plan, based on two premiership games a year, would mean all 17 NRL clubs, plus new franchises, could get the opportunity to play in the US gambling capital.

There are multiple advantages for rugby league gaining a foothold in the US, as the booming online sports betting market goes international.

Of all the money Australians spend gambling on sports online, only 2 per cent is bet on America’s NFL games.

If the same percentage of American punters bet on NRL games, rugby league’s share of a total online US gambling pool of $US7.5 billion ($11.5 billion) would be $US150 million.

Assuming a product licensing fee of 5 per cent is applied, this would mean a return of $US7.5 million to Rugby League Central.

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo says the Las Vegas venture is a long-term play for future broadcast deals.Credit: James Brickwood

US sports do not currently charge wagering companies a percentage of their revenue directly. Instead, US sports are paid a fee by the bookies for the vision and statistics supplied.

However, NRL CEO Andrew Abdo argues the ultimate financial return to the code via the sale of NRL intellectual product to bookies is effectively the same as a licence fee.

QOSHE - NRL’s Vegas venture a long-term play, but at least they’re rolling the dice - Roy Masters
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NRL’s Vegas venture a long-term play, but at least they’re rolling the dice

9 1
23.11.2023

The NRL’s five-year deal to play premiership matches in Las Vegas opens the opportunity for every team to access the fan base, the athlete pool and, importantly, the wagering market of the world’s richest country.

A five-year plan, based on two premiership games a year, would mean all 17 NRL clubs, plus new franchises, could get the opportunity to play........

© The Sydney Morning Herald


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