The NFL is taking stronger measures to reinforce its gambling policy to players following a series of recent violations. As part of these efforts, all rookies will now be mandated to attend educational sessions, and a team of league officials is conducting in-person visits to team facilities to emphasize and clarify the prohibited activities in light of the rapid growth of sports gambling.
During these visits, the league officials will highlight six key rules of the gambling policy:
Players should not bet on the NFL.
Gambling is prohibited at team facilities, while traveling for away games, or while staying at team hotels.
Players must not have someone else place bets on their behalf.
Sharing confidential team information is strictly prohibited.
Players should not enter a sportsbook during the NFL playing season.
Participation in daily fantasy football is not allowed.
In a recent media availability, Jeff Miller, the NFL's executive vice president of communications, public affairs, and policy, acknowledged the evolving landscape of sports gambling and its increased accessibility through smartphones. He stressed the importance of preserving the integrity of the game and the need for the league to be cautious and thorough in educating individuals about the rules that govern sports gambling.
The decision to engage with reporters on this matter indicates the NFL's recognition of recent events and their commitment to addressing them. In April, five NFL players received suspensions due to gambling-related violations. Additionally, an investigation involving Indianapolis Colts cornerback Isaiah Rodgers, suspected of placing bets on Colts games, has come to light. Miller refrained from commenting on the status of the ongoing Rodgers probe.
The NFL is also concentrating on intensifying its monitoring and enforcement efforts by collaborating with external monitoring firms and various sportsbooks. The league hopes that this approach will serve as an additional deterrent.
Sabrina Perel, NFL's vice president and chief compliance officer, emphasized the utilization of multiple resources and tools, both internal and external, to strengthen their efforts. She anticipates continuous development and maturation of these resources over time, with potential measures being implemented in the future.
Perel also mentioned the cooperation between sportsbooks and the league. Sportsbooks will notify the NFL if a player places a bet under their own name, and geolocation technology plays a significant role in tracking bets to specific locations, such as a player's residence.
While the increased accessibility to gambling may have created some ambiguity in the gambling policy, Miller dismissed it as an excuse. He highlighted the long-standing rules that players should not bet on the NFL and should refrain from gambling during work hours or while associated with the team.
Regarding potential mixed messaging due to NFL owners entering sponsorship agreements with sportsbooks while coaches, staff, and players face strict restrictions on gambling activities, the NFL maintains that there is no double standard. According to Perel, these partnerships aim to attract and engage fans while providing them with opportunities to participate in these activities. Personal conduct, however, remains separate and subject to regulations to safeguard the integrity of the game.