State lottery & Jaguars?

by cuffs007 on May 24, 2009 9:59 PM EDT

To be honest, this thought never crossed my mind. I'm not sure of what the actual financial gains could possibly be, but perhaps someone out there knows the facts. I, for one, would be glad to buy Jaguar themed lottery tickets if some of that revenue was shared with the team. I know the lottery gains are supposed to be for the education system, so I'm running on empty as to how this works.

In any case, read further to see what's going on these days and let's talk about this idea specifically (trying not to go TOO far off topic. HaHa)

From SI.com right here...

ASHBURN, Va. (AP) -- Hail to the Redskins -- especially if that scratch-off is a winner.

The Redskins on Friday became the second NFL team to announce a partnership with a state lottery, taking advantage of a new league rule designed to bring in more revenue during a weak economy.

The Virginia Lottery will issue Redskins-themed scratch-off tickets for the 2009 season. The tickets will be sold only in Virginia.

"We envision a game that will link lottery fans with the Redskins in new and exciting ways," Redskins chief operating officer Mitch Gershman said.

Breaking from a strict policy that deterred any association with gambling, NFL owners voted Wednesday to allow teams to sign licensing deals with state-sponsored lotteries. The New England Patriots became the first team to announce such an agreement Thursday.

The Redskins had been in negotiations with the Virginia Lottery in anticipation of the owners' vote. Several other NFL teams are considering lottery deals.

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This whole lottery thing has been blown out of proportion.

It’s basically a deal that allows for teams to be associated with gambling. Gambling includes casinos, lotteries, etc. In the case of DC, they receive revenue from the sale of those scratch offs. This benefits both ends, with the Redskins promoting those scratch offs and the scratch offs promoting the Redskins. However, the benefits are less than these reports have led people to believe. What is more interesting is this shift towards league approved gambling. Will this eventually lead to league sponsored gambling, or deals with gambling businesses such as casinos? I feel that this is a slow shift towards something much larger.

by Kbot on May 25, 2009 6:24 AM EDT reply actions

Kbot, I think you're getting ahead of yourself

The league would never get in business with casinos or other gambling ventures beyond lotteries because it would be a perceived conflict of interest. Not to mention the nasty PR, and possible legal, problems.

Meaning, we won’t be seeing “The Hard Rock Casino brought to you by the Jacksonville Jaguars”. The most that is going to come of this is when you need to get beer, cigs, or gas, you can get a scratch off with the Jags logo on it for $5.

"The worst kind of non-smokers are the ones that come up to you and cough. That's pretty cruel isn't it? Do you go up to cripples and dance too?"-Bill Hicks

by Jonathan Loesche on May 25, 2009 9:18 AM EDT reply actions

You never know.

I’m sure a good number of owners would be just fine with that. Also, it may have some effects in the whole Rooney situation. I think the most likely consequence of this shift will be casino owners investing in NFL franchises.

by Kbot on May 25, 2009 7:48 PM EDT up reply actions

Whatever works

If it helps the team, sign me up. On naming rights: we should petition Mayor Howdy Doody to put the Gate name on the stadium. Doesn’t he own that company? Gate Stadium…I don’t know.

I'm your huckleberry...

by viator on May 25, 2009 11:44 AM EDT reply actions