The NFL’s Gambling Policy: Explaining How It Works

The league clearly outlines how suspensions are determined for any NFL personnel, who are prohibited from wagering on any sport.
The NFL’s Gambling Policy: Explaining How It Works
The NFL’s Gambling Policy: Explaining How It Works /

Five players have been suspended after an investigation proved they violated the NFL’s gambling policy.

From the Lions, 2022 first-round pick Jameson Williams and Stanley Berryhill were suspended six games for their involvement. Additionally from Detroit, both wideout Quintez Cephus and defensive back C.J. Moore were banned indefinitely, along with defensive end Shaka Toney of the Commanders.

Fantasy impact: Jameson Williams was expected to be sleeper in 2023

Last year, it was former Falcons receiver Calvin Ridley who was suspended for the season, before being traded to the Jaguars. He has since been reinstated.

Williams was out most of 2022 with a torn ACL after he was selected in the first round :: Lon Horwedel/USA TODAY Sports

For the NFL, the suspension lengths are clearly outlined in its policy. Here are some of the main points you need to know.

  • All NFL personnel are banned from gambling on any sport, which is defined by three subsets including prize, chance or consideration.
  • Whether wagers are with sportsbooks or in private (with other players, family, friends, etc.), they violate the policy.
  • All NFL part- and full-time employees are banned from fixing games or trading inside information, including injury updates or personnel decisions.
  • During the season, all NFL personnel must not enter a sportsbook.
  • NFL personnel is not allowed to promote or endorse anything involving gambling.
  • NFL personnel may not take any gifts from a betting entity if the value of said gift exceeds $250.
  • NFL personnel are not allowed to participate in daily fantasy football leagues. Personnel may participate in season-long fantasy football leagues with a prize, provided the winner does not receive more than $250.
  • Any NFL employee who incurs a gambling debt of more than $10,000 must notify the NFL Security Department.

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Matt Verderame
MATT VERDERAME

Matt Verderame is a staff writer for Sports Illustrated covering the NFL. Before joining SI in March 2023, he wrote for wrote for FanSided and Awful Announcing. He hosts The Matt Verderame Show on Patreon and is a member of the Pro Football Writers Association. A proud father of two girls and lover of all Italian food, Verderame is an eternal defender of Rudy, the greatest football movie of all time.