Commentator Joe Saumarez-Smith of Bloomberg recently published an article in which he calls for a legalized online sports betting industry. There have been several arguments made for internet gambling that its tax revenue would help flourish the economy. Saumarez-Smith, however, has argued that the "National Football League is missing out on the Super Bowl."

The NFL is not only opening opposed to internet sportsbooks, but betting on sports altogether. According to the article, entitled ‘NFL Should Change Its Opposition to Betting,' $81.5 million was bet in Nevada sportsbooks during the Super Bowl. Research by the Gaming Control Board shows that $4 billion may have been wagered in the U.S. in illegal in office pools and internet sports betting, and an additional $3 billion throughout Europe and Asia.

If the NFL were to give its assent to sportsbooks, it could receive royalties that would be put toward team expenses. However, to distance itself from the idea that the outcome of a game could be influenced by oddsmakers, the NFL has always strongly opposed sports betting. Additionally, NFL representatives have been involved in lobbying for U.S. legislation that would criminalize internet sports betting, such as the UIGEA (Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act). It has donated a great deal of time and money toward fighting against ongoing legislation for its legalization.

"The NFL's policy on this issue has been consistent for decades," Brian McCarthy told Bloomberg in an e-mail. "Sports gambling threatens the integrity of our games and all the values they represent, especially to young people. The NFL has been an active proponent of federal and state efforts to combat sports gambling."

The NFL was under investigation in November for having lobbied against internet gambling. William Wichterman had been brought into question after he disclosed his "potential conflict of interest" in influencing the Bush administration to enforce more regulations with the UIGEA.

Witchterman was a political advisor for the Bush administration and had been among the "most vocal advocates" for the UIGEA while serving as a lobbyist with Covingto & Burling - a firm that represents the NFL.

Saumarez-Smith cites a number of reasons for his support of online sports betting. "First, the NFL benefits from gambling in many indirect ways," the article reads. "On an average Sunday afternoon game the only thing that keeps many viewers watching all the way to the end of an uneven contest game is the bet they have on it.

"Second, the NFL says sports betting harms the integrity of football. It is true that it has the potential to, but when the vast majority of wagers placed are illegal and placed in countries over which the NFL has no jurisdiction, the chances for corruption are surely greater. Saying that gambling shouldn't take place is a different matter than preventing it."

Saumarez-Smith has asked for regulation of the internet sports betting industry in order to maintain the integrity of the NFL. There are groups that put pressure on teams to influence the outcome of the game as it stands, and further regulation could prevent it.

The strongest argument remains, however, that the U.S. government, as well as the NFL is depriving itself of billions in potential tax revenue. Saumarez-Smith claims that $150 billion in online bets per year could provide a stronger league and further control over its integrity.