NBA, NHL, and MLB team up on new RG-geared sports betting ad spot
‘Never Know What’s Next’ campaign aims to warn bettors not to bet on the inherent unpredictability of sports
The National Basketball Association (NBA), Major League Baseball (MLB), and the National Hockey League (NHL) have released a new public service advertising (PSA) campaign aimed at encouraging responsible sports betting.
The 30-second ‘Never Know What’s Next’ PSA debuted during the Cleveland Cavaliers vs Philadelphia 76ers game yesterday (November 21) and on social media platforms belonging to all three sports governing bodies.
Created with a responsible gambling (RG) slant, the campaign aims to warn bettors that there is no easy money in sports betting nor are there any so-called ‘lock’ bets, i.e. bets where the outcome is deemed to be so expected that you cannot lose. The ad features live game action from the MLB, NBA, and NHL.
The PSA directs fans to the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) website, which provides resources for fans to learn more about responsible gambling.
The trio have confirmed support for the new campaign from DraftKings, Fanatics Sportsbook, FanDuel, ESPN Bet operator PENN Entertainment, and the NCPG.
“With more fans than ever having the opportunity to legally bet in their home states, it is imperative that we work with our media and sportsbook partners to inform and emphasize the risks and encourage the importance of setting limits and betting responsibly, especially among our growing fanbase in the younger demographic,” NHL chief business officer Keith Wachtel said.
NBA senior VP, head of gaming and new business ventures Scott Kaufman-Ross echoed his counterpart at the NHL, drawing attention to the misconceptions surrounding sports betting.
“Working with our fellow sports leagues, gaming operator partners, and responsible gaming partners gives added weight – particularly for young bettors – to this shared priority of making an impact on responsible gaming education across the United States,” Kaufman-Ross said.
“Ensuring fans are aware of the inherent risk if they choose to bet and correcting the misconception that betting on sports is a good way to make money are integral to the NBA’s approach to legal sports betting,” he added.