In an attempt to clamp down on the influx of NFL betting investigations, the league has implemented new training procedures prior to the 2023 season.
US Integrity founder and CEO Matt Holt told LSR last week that there are still more NFL betting investigations from last season that have yet to be disclosed, including players making prohibited wagers from their team practice facilities.
“Our gambling policy has been in place for a long time – well before PASPA was overturned,” an NFL spokesperson told LSR. “As is the case with any policy, it is constantly being updated to stay current with the times.”
Rookies must watch NFL betting video
New for 2023, the NFL, in a policy document it sent to LSR, says all rookies now have to watch an additional training video from the league’s compliance department.
The video hits on the importance of maintaining integrity, while reminding that players should never bet on NFL games, nor should they participate in any form of gambling while with the team in any capacity.
For all players, gambling education was already mandatory, but the league has also strongly encouraged teams to have an in-person training presentation.
Increase in NFL betting investigations
NFL gambling investigations and subsequent suspensions have recently spiked.
Last season, star wide receiver Calvin Ridley served a one-year suspension for betting on his own team, violating the league’s gambling policy. He has since been reinstated.
New York Jets wide receivers coach Miles Austin also received a gambling ban in 2022.
In April, four Detroit Lions players, and one Washington Commander, were suspended for gambling infractions. And a week ago, Indianapolis Colts cornerback and kick returner Isaiah Rodgers Sr. became the latest player to come under probe.
Holt hopes increased gambling education and awareness will help lessen the amount of investigations.
Six NFL betting commandments
The league lists six “don’ts” for its players to follow:
- Don’t bet on the NFL. Period.
- Don’t have someone place a bet for you.
- Don’t gamble (no bets on sports, casino or card games) at your team facility/stadium, while traveling for a road game, or staying at a team hotel.
- Don’t share team “inside information.”
- Don’t enter a sportsbook during the NFL playing season.
- Don’t play daily fantasy football.
What else NFL has cleaned up
The league also notes, as written in the summary, additional measures:
- Club-led education and training sessions.
- Full gambling policy included in player manual.
- A specific document laying out the gambling policy and points of emphasis is distributed to all 32 clubs to deliver to players.
- Signage in team facilities.
- The NFLPA has opportunities to further emphasize the gambling policy during visits to club facilities.
- Player agents have the opportunity to participate in gambling policy education trainings led by NFL compliance officials.
- Every NFL contract signed by players includes a standard “Integrity of the Game” clause.
