The NFL is making changes to its legal sports betting guidelines amid an influx of controversy.
America’s most popular professional sports league is being proactive in combating gambling-related issues it has faced since the U.S. Supreme Court permitted states outside of Nevada to offer retail wagering and online betting sites in 2018. Since then, the NFL has dished out punishments to players and team personnel for failing to adhere to its betting guidelines.
The NFL has decided to lay out its guidelines while adding to its requirements to provide clarity.
When NFL compliance execs visit teams to detail gambling policy, they emphasize these 6 rules to players.
— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) June 20, 2023
(via NFL VP/chief compliance officer Sabrina Perel) pic.twitter.com/OYsSeAgB9D
In addition to the requirements, the NFL will also provide gambling signage across all 32 team facilities, add sports betting clauses to player contracts, and produce a wagering policy manual.
Rules are stricter for coaches, staff and all other non-player personnel. TLDR: Don't bet on any sports in any way. pic.twitter.com/VTuTCCcNck
— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) June 20, 2023
Tough start
The league emphasizing its stance on sports betting follows a tumultuous start to 2023.
In April, the NFL handed out suspensions to five players from the Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders. Players suspended were Quintez Cephus and C.J. Moore of the Lions, and Shaka Toney of the Commanders — who were all caught wagering on NFL games. Stanley Berryhill and Jameson Williams of the Lions also received suspensions for placing bets on non-NFL games at the team’s facility.
Earlier this month, the NFL launched a probe into Indianapolis Colts cornerback Isaiah Rodgers. The sixth-round pick from the 2020 draft allegedly placed around 100 wagers on NFL games from an unnamed sportsbook that was registered in an associate’s name. Rodgers also violated the NFL’s guidelines by allegedly placing bets on the Colts that ranged between $25-$50.
Nothing new
Last year, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley was suspended for the entire 2022 season for wagering on NFL games during his time with the Atlanta Falcons. That same year, New York Jets assistant coach Miles Austin was given a minimum one-year suspension for alleged betting. Austin has since appealed the suspension, which is pending. In 2019, Arizona Cardinals cornerback Josh Shaw was suspended for the entire 2020 campaign for wagering.
Taking Steps
The NFL is also attempting to circumvent any future gambling violations with methods outside of the updated guidelines. The league has hired Tom Brady to help deliver its sports betting policy.
The seven-time Super Bowl champion has reportedly recorded an educational video message regarding the NFL’s betting guidelines. The video, which will be shown to all 32 teams during minicamp and training camp sessions, also speaks to Brady’s experience in the NFL, what it meant to play in the league, and how betting on NFL games hurts the integrity of the sport.
