Washington Commanders: Why Virginians Couldn’t Bet On New Name

The NFL now has a fresh addition to its roster with the name change of the Washington Commanders. Well, at least there’s a new team name in town.

Yet, amidst the speculation surrounding the former Washington Redskins (and the brief existence of the Washington Football Team), a lingering question persisted among certain bettors.

What is preventing me from placing a bet on the change of name for Washington at Virginia sportsbooks?

Surprisingly, there is a wide range of legal betting opportunities within the sports industry. Moreover, if you venture beyond Virginia’s borders, you’ll discover numerous additional wagering options that are unavailable here.

However, Virginia’s sports-betting laws leave no room for ambiguity when it comes to events like name changes, draft picks, and year-end awards – the answer is a resounding no.

Redskins, WFT no more with Washington Commanders name change

On Wednesday morning, team officials made a formal announcement regarding the name change from Washington Commanders.

After making an announcement on the “Today” show, Washington wasted no time in rebranding its social-media presence. The team swiftly adopted a new name, logos, and uniforms, while keeping its iconic burgundy and gold colors intact.

The unveiling at FedExField in Prince George’s County, Maryland, was attended by Commanders co-owners Dan Snyder and Tanya Snyder, team president Jason Wright, as well as other players and executives.

If you browse through the most recent tweets on the subject, you will come across a few jokes, but overall, people believe that the name is quite fitting for the military- and Navy-focused Washington, DC region and find it acceptable.

However, it fell short of impressing and astonishing the same way the Seattle Kraken unveiling did in 2020.

The Commanders option has now replaced the temporary name “Washington Football Team.” The team opted for the interim “WFT” acronym for the previous two seasons as they conducted a thorough search for a long-term and permanent identity.

For 87 years, the team was recognized as the Redskins. Nevertheless, the utilization of Native American imagery had progressively posed more and more issues over time. In 2020, these concerns escalated significantly. After enduring public and investor pressure for several years, Dan Snyder ultimately held a meeting with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to initiate the process of changing the team’s name.

Why “Commanders” was an odds-on favorite

The reason for choosing the Commanders is quite straightforward in this area as it aligns with an authentic Naval rank.

However, on a broader scale, it can encompass an individual who holds authority and possesses control. I must say, there are worse attributes a football team could possess. Additionally, the Washington Commanders alternative avoided any significant trademark conflicts (directed towards you, Cleveland Guardians).

Dan Snyder stated:

“We, as an organization, eagerly come together as a united force under our fresh identity, cherishing our local origins and the significance of representing the nation’s capital. As we embark on our 90th season, it is crucial for both our organization and fans to honor our past customs, history, heritage, and the esteemed individuals who paved the way for us. We persist in upholding and embodying the spirit of the Burgundy & Gold, while also paving the way for a new chapter in Washington. Today may signify the beginning of the Washington Commanders, but our heart and soul will forever belong to Washington.”

Over the past few weeks, prior to the official name change to the Washington Commanders, there has been a plethora of speculation and suggestions regarding the new team name. Among the top contenders for the replacement of the Washington mascot were:

• Admirals
• Brigade
• Defenders
• Federals
• Presidents
• Red Tails
• Red Wolves
• Washington Football Team (permanently)

The team made sure to include some deceptive moves to confuse investigators. However, certain Washington football fans remained resolute in their belief that they could accurately guess the team’s new name. They even speculated that some unlikely candidates could potentially be worth betting on if sportsbooks provided odds.

This raised a question in the minds of some individuals: Why wasn’t it possible for me to place a bet on the name change of the Washington Commanders?

Virginia prohibits betting on certain sports props

Prior to the legalization of nationwide sports betting in the US, numerous individuals would place their bets through unregulated offshore sportsbooks. Unlike regulated sports betting jurisdictions like Virginia, these offshore operators would occasionally provide odds on events that are not legally permissible for wagering in the US.

A few of them do not pertain to sports at all.

Some examples:

• MVP and other league awards that undergo voting process.
• Hall of fame selections
• Draft picks
• Results of US elections
• Lottery results
• Stock market performance

Lawmakers have argued that VA laws prohibit such wagers due to the fact that the results are not purely random and can be manipulated by voters, judges, or everyday individuals. The focus is on preserving the integrity of the event.

Nevertheless, it’s important to note that legislation varies across different states, meaning that not all states have the same rules and regulations. Interestingly, in certain US states, it is permissible to place bets on MVP awards or even specific draft picks. Furthermore, on Super Bowl Sunday, the states with more lenient betting laws often offer a wide range of proposition options for bettors to choose from.

However, considering a situation similar to the name change of the Washington Commanders, it is highly unlikely that Virginia regulators would permit betting on events that are susceptible to manipulation or can easily be spoiled.

Fortunately, regardless of whether it is the NFL or numerous other sports, there remains an abundance of betting options available at the VA books.