The National Football League has suspended nearly a half dozen players for violations of the gambling policy in the last two years. Now, following the suspension of five players this spring, the NFL rules on players gambling have been outlined by the league.
In April, four Detroit Lions players and Washington Commanders’ defensive end Shaka Toney were suspended for violating the NFL’s gambling policy in 2022. Jameson Williams and Stanley Berryhill received six-game bans, while teammates Quintez Cephus and C.J. More were suspended indefinitely.
Related: NFL reportedly investigating fifth Detroit Lions player for gambling
It came after the year-long suspension Calvin Ridley received last season for betting on NFL games in 2021, while he was away from the team. In addition, there are ongoing investigations into a second wave of gambling violations with Indianapolis Colts defensive back Isaiah Rodgers among the focal points of the inquiry.
Many NFL players have stated publicly that league officials and teams haven’t clearly stated the intricate details of the gambling policy, leading to uncertainty for many and violations for several around the league. Now, the rules have been made public.
Related: Detroit Lions’ Jameson Williams ‘wasn’t aware’ of NFL’s gambling rules
NFL rules on players gambling
- Don’t bet on the NFL
- Don’t gamble at your team facility, while traveling for a road game or staying in 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
The NFL outlined its six key rules for players in June, instructing them on what can’t be done. During a conference call outlining the policies, the NFL also included additional details of its rules against gambling.
Under NFL rules on players gambling, any players are forbidden from placing a single bet for any amount on their team’s games, another team’s games or anything involving outcomes, points scored, future bets, prop bets are parlays. This included the NFL Honors, NFL Draft, NFL Combine and the Pro Bowl.
While players are permitted to bet on non-NFL games and events, it is forbidden at certain locations. Included in the NFL rules on players gambling; they can’t bet on anything when at the team’s facility or stadium (including the parking lot), on team business, or during a team road trip.
The specific rules regarding where betting is prohibited apply to Williams. During his rookie season, it’s believed that the Lions’ wide receiver placed a bet on a college football game on his phone while at the team hotel in a different state where sports gambling is legal.
Any players who are determined to have violated the gambling policy is subject to immediate discipline following an investigation. The NFL set a precedent in 2019 when it suspended Arizona Cardinals defensive back Josh Shaw for betting on NFL games. He was reinstated a year later but hasn’t returned to the NFL.
The NFL rules on players gambling also apply to all league employees. When four Lions’ players were suspended for violations of the gambling policy, Detroit also fired multiple staffers for violating the same rules.
While some around the league may view some of the rules as unfair, the NFL is focused on protecting its integrity because that influences its long-term revenue. Now partnered with sportsbooks, any notion that players or coaches are betting in games they’re involved in or have inside information on would damage football’s credibility. As a result, the NFL will continue cracking down on anyone who violates its gambling codes.