The NFL has reinforced its gambling policy for players as of June 21, 2023. The new policy prohibits players from betting on NFL games, either directly or indirectly. Players are also prohibited from associating with anyone who is involved in sports betting.
The NFL has said that the new policy is necessary to protect the integrity of the game. The policy also comes in response to the growing popularity of gambling on sports in the United States.
Why These Sessions are Mandatory
Jeff Miller, executive vice president of communications, public affairs, and policy, gave the following statement during his Tuesday availability session;
“The world has changed over the last few years. The availability of our phones and [with] a couple of touches, and all of a sudden, you can place a bet on many different things that were not available a few years ago and are available now.”
“So, sports gambling has a great deal more presence in people’s lives than it did just a few short years ago, which means for us as [a] sports league — where the integrity of the game is the highest single principle — that we have to be thoughtful and careful and scrutinize how we share information and educate people around the rules that govern it.”
What is the new policy?
The new policy prohibits players from engaging in any of the following activities:
- Betting on NFL games, either directly or indirectly.
- Associating with anyone who is involved in sports betting.
- Providing information to anyone about NFL games that could be used for betting purposes.
- Accepting gifts or favors from anyone who is involved in sports betting.
Six Key NFL Gambling Policy Rules
The six “key rules” of the gambling policy that the league officials will emphasize are:
- Don’t bet on the NFL;
- Don’t gamble at your team facility, while traveling for a road game or staying at a team hotel;
- Don’t have someone bet for you;
- Don’t share team “inside information”;
- Don’t enter a sportsbook during the NFL playing season;
- Don’t play daily fantasy football.
What are the penalties for violating the policy?
Players who violate the policy could be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension or termination of their contract.
Why is the NFL reinforcing its gambling policy?
The NFL has said that the new policy is necessary to protect the integrity of the game. The league has a long history of opposing gambling on NFL games by NFL team personnel, and it believes that the new policy will help to ensure that the game is played fairly.
The policy also comes in response to the popularity of sports betting in the United States. In recent years, more and more states have legalized sports betting, and the NFL believes that it is important to have a clear and concise policy in place to govern player conduct.
What does this mean for NFL players?
NFL players need to be aware of the new gambling policy and understand that they could be subject to disciplinary action if they violate it. The policy is clear and concise, and players should have no difficulty understanding what is prohibited.
The NFL is committed to protecting its image and reputation, as well as the integrity of the game. The new gambling policy is an important part of that commitment. NFL players who violate the policy will be subject to disciplinary action, and the league will not tolerate any behavior that could compromise the integrity of the game.
