NASCAR Laughs Off NFL Worries Over Sports Betting

The terrors of sports betting professed by the NFL are of no concern to NASCAR, which trusts its employees don't need isolation from the real world to avoid gambling corruption.

While other sports organizations are trembling at the thought of legal sports gambling expanding into Delaware, officials at NASCAR see no reason for worry. The thought of their highly-paid employees risking career, family, and freedom to indulge gaming influences and make a quick little score seems ludicrous to racing professionals.

NFL officials have been in an uproar, saying that Delaware's geographical proximity to pro football stadiums makes sports betting in the state a danger to the league's integrity.

"State-promoted gambling not only adds to the pressure on our coaches and players, but creates suspicion and cynicism toward every on-the-field mistake that affects the betting line," wrote NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in a letter some months ago to Delaware Governor Jack Markell.

But NASCAR leaders say they aren't worried. In fact, they have no problem with drivers and crew members visiting casinos when the race circuit takes them close to one. After all, casinos and gambling provide some of the sports' sponsorships.

"Our competitors know not to gamble on NASCAR events," says Ramsey Poston, director of corporate communications for NASCAR. "They're welcome to go to the casinos to play the slots or the table games. The bottom line is, many of our fans love to gamble in a legal and fun way."

As far as NASCAR commandments to personnel to avoid gambling on races, or avoid crooked influiences attempting to subvert race results, famed driver Jeff Burton didn't see a need.

"I don't even know if there is a policy in place about it.. At the end of the day, you have to have the integrity that makes you make the right decision," says Burton.

When asked if a new Delaware casino might affect races held nearby, Burton said, "I find it hard to believe that location really has anything to do with it. Shady characters can come from Las Vegas as well as they can come from Delaware."