NBA, MLB, AND NHL LAUNCH NEW RESPONSIBLE GAMING CAMPAIGN

NBA, MLB, AND NHL LAUNCH NEW RESPONSIBLE GAMING CAMPAIGN "NEVER KNOW WHAT’S NEXT” 

 

- New Spot Emphasizes Importance of Responsible Gaming and Encourages Fans to Set Limits -  

- Three Pro Sports Leagues Create Spot in Collaboration with DraftKings, ESPN BET, Fanatics Sportsbook, FanDuel and National Council on Problem Gambling - 

 

NEW YORK, Nov. 21, 2023 – The National Basketball Association (NBA), Major League Baseball (MLB) and the National Hockey League (NHL) today announced the release of "Never Know What’s Next,” a 30-second spot that encourages responsible betting in sports.  The spot, with support from sportsbook operators DraftKings, Fanatics Sportsbook, FanDuel, PENN Entertainment, operator of ESPN BET, and the National Council on Problem Gambling reminds fans who bet to do so responsibly and always set a limit. "Never Know What’s Next” premieres on linear on Nov. 21 during the NBA’s In-Season Tournament Cleveland Cavaliers vs Philadelphia 76ers game on TSN at 7:30 p.m. ET and on @NBA, @MLB and @NHL social platforms. You can watch "Never Know What’s Next” here.

At the heart of this campaign is an educational message reminding bettors that betting is a form of entertainment and should be done so responsibly. This campaign seeks to inform bettors, with the critical message that there are no "locks” and no "easy money” in sports betting. The spot features live game action from the NBA, MLB, and NHL to demonstrate the inherent unpredictability of sports. Whether it’s a game winning shot from beyond half court, a game changing save on the ice or a walk-off home run, the campaign reminds fans that every play, every shot, every swing is unpredictable. The campaign directs fans to https://responsibleplay.org/, the National Council on Problem Gambling’s digital destination that provides resources for fans to learn more about responsible gaming. The three leagues have taken a multifaceted approach to legal sports betting and continue to communicate responsible gaming messages to fans. 

"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,” said Scott Kaufman-Ross, NBA Senior Vice President Head of Gaming & New Business Ventures. "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.”

"We’re incredibly proud to be a part of this important campaign alongside the NBA, NHL and our operator partners,” said Casey Brett, MLB Senior Vice President, Business Development. "It’s paramount that when our fans bet, they know how to do so responsibly – and this initiative is just one small but important part of our continued commitment to ensuring sports betting stays safe for all who choose to wager.”

"This campaign continues our ongoing commitment to educating fans about the importance of responsible betting,” said Keith Wachtel, NHL Chief Business Officer. "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, as well as with our friends at the NBA and MLB, 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.”

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About the NBA  

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball.?Built around five professional sports leagues: the NBA, WNBA, NBA G League, NBA 2K League and Basketball Africa League, the NBA has established a major international presence with games and programming available in 214 countries and territories in more than 50 languages, and merchandise for sale in more than 200 countries and territories on all seven continents.?NBA rosters at the start of the 2023-24 season featured a record 125 international players from 40 countries and territories.? NBA Digital’s assets include NBA TV, NBA.com, the NBA App and NBA League Pass.?The NBA has created one of the largest social media communities in the world, with 2.1 billion likes and followers globally across all leagues, team and player platforms.?NBA Cares, the NBA's global social responsibility platform, partners with renowned community-based organizations around the world to address important social issues in the areas of education, inclusion, youth and family development, and health and wellness.

About Major League Baseball

Major League Baseball (MLB) is the most historic professional sports league in the United States and consists of 30 member clubs in the U.S. and Canada, representing the highest level of professional baseball. Led by Commissioner Robert D. Manfred, Jr., MLB remains committed to making an impact in the communities of the U.S., Canada and throughout the world, perpetuating the sport's larger role in society and permeating every facet of baseball's business, marketing, community relations and social responsibility endeavors. MLB currently features record levels of competitive balance, continues to expand its global reach through programming and content to fans all over the world, and registered records in games and minutes watched this season on MLB.TV. With the continued success of MLB Network and MLB digital platforms, MLB continues to find innovative ways for its fans to enjoy America's National Pastime and a truly global game. For more information on Major League Baseball, visit www.MLB.com.

About the NHL

The National Hockey League (NHL®), founded in 1917, consists of 32 Member Clubs. Each team roster reflects the League’s international makeup with players from more than 20 countries represented, all vying for the most cherished and historic trophy in professional sports – the Stanley Cup®. Every year, the NHL entertains more than 670 million fans in-arena and through its partners on national television and radio; more than 191 million followers - league, team and player accounts combined - across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube; and more than 100 million fans online at NHL.com. The League broadcasts games in more than 160 countries and territories through its rightsholders including ESPN, WBD Sports and NHL Network in the U.S.; Sportsnet and TVA Sports in Canada; Viaplay in the Nordics, Baltics, and Poland; YLE in Finland; Nova in Czech Republic and Slovakia; Sky Sports and ProSieben in Germany; MySports in Switzerland; and CCTV5 in China; and reaches fans worldwide with games available to stream in every country. Fans are engaged across the League’s digital assets on mobile devices via the free NHL® App; across nine social media platforms; on SiriusXM NHL Network Radio™; and on NHL.com, available in eight languages and featuring unprecedented access to player and team statistics as well as every regular-season and playoff game box score dating back to the League’s inception, powered by SAP. NHL Original Productions and NHL Studios produce compelling original programming featuring unprecedented access to players, coaches and League and team personnel for distribution across the NHL’s social and digital platforms. The NHL is committed to building healthy and vibrant communities using the sport of hockey to celebrate fans of every race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status. The NHL’s Hockey Is For Everyone® initiative reinforces that the official policy of the sport is one of inclusion on the ice, in locker rooms, boardrooms and stands. The NHL is expanding access and opportunity for people of all backgrounds and abilities to play hockey, fostering more inclusive environments and growing the game through a greater diversity of participants. To date, the NHL has invested more than $100 million in youth hockey and grassroots programs, with a commitment to invest an additional $5 million for diversity and inclusion programs over the next year.