What are NFL rules on gambling?

The NFL announced through a press release the suspension of four players for violating league betting policies. They join a long list of athletes punished for that activity and some people are seeking clarity on the rules.

Which players are latest to be suspended by NFL?

Colts players Isaiah Rodgers and Rashod Berry along with free agent Demetrius Taylor were suspended for the entire season for betting on games from the 2022 NFL campaign. The Indianapolis franchise terminated the contracts of Rodgers and Berry upon the disclosure of the penalty. All three players can apply to be reinstated as members of the NFL at the end of the 2023 season.

In the case of Nicholas Petit-Frere, of the Tennessee Titans, the sanction was more minor, and he will only miss six games next season. The offensive tackle placed bets on non-NFL sports from the team facility but said he “did not knowingly break the rules.” He will be able to feature in all off-season as well as pre-season practices and games.

During the offseason, the league suspended Jameson Williams, Quintez Cephus, Stanley Berryhill and C.J. Moore of the Detroit Lions and Shaka Toney of the Washington Commanders for gambling. Williams and Berryhill were punished for six games, while Cephus, Moore and Toney were suspended for the entire season.

The NFL rules on gambling

The NFL rules on betting are simple: any employee of the league cannot bet on football games, either directly or indirectly. In addition, players are urged to give their best efforts in all games and not provide inside information to people outside of the league.

Players are also not allowed to bet from the team’s facilities, while all NFL personnel are prohibited from visiting casinos or using any sportsbook while the season is in progress.

‘The NFL is strongly committed to maintaining the integrity of the NFL, its games, Clubs, players, coaches, and other League and Club personnel. Gambling, particularly on NFL games or other sports, presents potential risks to the integrity of our competition and can negatively impact team cohesion. We therefore owe it to our fans and everyone associated with our League to take all appropriate steps to safeguard our game against possible threats from illegal gambling as well as gambling in a legal, regulated context.’

The full NFL gambling policy can be accessed here. Go on guys, give it a read...