1200w,https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/09/08/gambling-fb79f0f5c0f46b4d21637d2b5344121211a80f7f-s1600-c85.jpg 1600w,https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2023/09/08/gambling-fb79f0f5c0f46b4d21637d2b5344121211a80f7f-s1800-c85.jpg 1800w" sizes="(min-width: 1300px) 763px, (min-width: 1025px) calc(100vw - 496px), (min-width: 768px) calc(100vw - 171px), calc(100vw - 30px)" type="image/jpeg"/>

Legalized sports betting has brought in billions for teams and gambling sites. iStockphoto.com hide caption

toggle caption
iStockphoto.com

Legalized sports betting has brought in billions for teams and gambling sites.

iStockphoto.com

The National Football League's regular season is finally underway. And for loyal fans who have been devouring all the news of their favorite teams, it couldn't have come soon enough.

But even if you're just a casual viewer of football, or really any network television program, you've probably seen the star-studded ads for a related business: sports betting.

The league's partnership with major sports betting sites continues to draw criticism. Ten NFL players have been suspended for gambling violations since April, leaving critics and fans wondering if the relationship between football and gambling will harm the integrity of the game.

Host Nathan Rott speaks with David Purdum who covers the gambling industry for ESPN.

In participating regions, you'll also hear a local news segment to help you make sense of what's going on in your community.

Email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

This episode was produced by Marc Rivers and Emma Klein. It was edited by Jeanette Woods. Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.

Northern California
Public Media Newsletter

Get the latest updates on programs and events.