Many fans are sweating the ridiculous fight between the owners and the NFL players as they try to divide billions of dollars in one of the few business areas thriving in this down economy, but the pain will be felt by many others as well if a settlement is reached.

One casualty would certainly be Las Vegas, as betting on NFL games drives a huge amount of business for the Vegas casinos. The Vegas casinos have been having a very difficult time throughout since the financial crisis of 2008, and the last thing they need is losing waves of bettors who are addicted to the NFL spreads. Of course college football will still be a draw, but the NFL turns boring Sundays into big events in Vegas. It’s not just Vegas, as fantasy football sites and online gambling in general will also suffer as well. On the other hand, it could be a big opportunity for others, as players addicted to football will be looking for other ways to generate excitement and spend their gambling dollars.

Let’s see if it comes to that.