The legalization of sports gambling is killing fantasy football in the opinion of WFAN host Evan Roberts.
On Friday’s Evan & Tiki, Roberts told co-host Tiki Barber that it’s clear that there is dwindling interest in fantasy.
“It’s 2023, and I’ve heard it from numerous people,” Roberts said. “I’ve heard it from more people than I could ever imagine. It’s dying a slow death.”
Evan said player props and building your multi-leg parlays with the potential for massive payouts are the reason more football fans are willing to put their money into their online sportsbook app of choice rather than paying annual league dues, drafting a team and watching the season unfold.
He pointed out that the possibilities in betting go beyond money line, score line and other basic wagers.
“I don’t have to worry about who’s winning the game,” Barber said. “I just have to worry about if this guy’s gonna rush for 110 yards or catch two touchdowns.”
“I don’t have to worry about drafting a team and a guy getting hurt because every single Sunday I pick someone new I’m gonna bet on and I bet on them,” Roberts responded.
It is a popular theory in states where sports betting is legal. Last week, 670 The Score’s Laurence Holmes revealed that he has not participated in a fantasy football league for a few years now and thanks to being able to bet on games, doesn’t miss it at all.
Roberts said he plans to participate in a fantasy league this year, while Barber said he won’t be in any leagues due to his commitment to 17 weeks of broadcasting NFL games for CBS. Barber felt like he had too much knowledge at his fingertips and would overthink in the draft process.
