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Goodell reiterates position against legalized sports gambling

Matthew Emmons / USA TODAY Sports

On the eve of a vote that could send the Oakland Raiders to Las Vegas, commissioner Roger Goodell reiterated his stance against legalized sports gambling.

The prospect of gambling was a major deterrent towards a proposed franchise in Las Vegas for years, and with the Raiders on the verge of being approved for relocation, Goodell voiced his concern.

"We are not changing our position as it relates to legalized sports gambling. We still don't think it is a positive thing," Goodell said to Peter King of The MMQB.

Related: Goodell on Raiders: 'We have not yet identified a viable solution' in Oakland

Oakland mayor Libby Schaaf wrote a letter to Goodell, outlining a plan to keep the Raiders in Oakland, which included a rendering of a $1.3-billion stadium that would host the team. However, Goodell rejected the proposal, stating "we have not yet identified a viable solution" to keep the Raiders in Oakland.

It's widely expected that more than 24 of the NFL's 32 owners will vote in favor of the Raiders relocating to Las Vegas. Los Angeles Chargers CEO Dean Spanos said he's voting for the proposal, while Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones indicated that he will be supporting the motion.

Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson and Pittsburgh Steelers chairman Dan Rooney will not be in attendance, but a replacement is expected to vote in place of both men.

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