The truth of the matter is, Tagliabue is either terribly misinformed about the immense contributions gambling has made to the NFL's popularity, or simply chooses to ignore its powerful influence. More likely, he wants to reap the staggering revenues gambling brings to the game, but doesn't want to reciprocate by recognizing the real basis of the NFL's popularity. Pro football has become the nation's true pastime. The NFL left major league baseball in the dust 30 years ago, and hasn't looked back since. The NBA is second.
Baseball ranks third, and is steadily declining every time a new survey is taken.
The NFL's immense popularity is due, at least in part, to millions of people betting on the games every week, particularly the high-profile matchups such as Monday Night Football and the NFL playoffs. In many cases, gamblers watch when no one else will. Gamblers keep the ratings up when one team is blowing out its opponent by three touchdowns. Millions of people continue to watch the games long after the winner has already been determined just to see the final score and point total. Gamblers also tune-in to games with marginal public interest.