NFL players call for sport betting policy change

An anonymous survey investigating the NFL’s gambling policy has revealed concerns among playing staff. The ESPN survey has found that numerous players are unhappy with the prohibition of sports betting on league grounds which extends to private team facilities during activities related to the NFL. This means NFL players cannot partake in any type of sports-related gambling at any NFL facility including airplane trips, hotel stays and other team-related venues. 

Removals and reprimands

This stringent NFL policy has already led to several suspensions, including players such as Jameson Williams, Nicholas Petite-Frere and Stanley Berryhill.

Survey findings and criticisms

Of 53 players surveyed, 22 agree that the policy should be altered to allow non-NFL sports betting within team facilities. Others are confused by the league’s distinction between NFL and non-NFL betting and have called for a rule clarification. 1 player noted during the survey: “Everybody understood not betting on NFL games, but I think a lot of us, even including myself, was not aware of not being able to bet on other sports, especially when it came on league time — in team hotels, on the bus. You would think it was just in the facility. I don’t think a lot of guys truly understood what it meant by ‘when you are on the league’s time.’”

NFL partnerships

Other players have also come forth questioning the NFL over its consistency as the league earns a significant amount of revenue from sports betting companies, resulting in mass visibility of sports betting products and offerings in and around NFL events. In light of this many players are arguing there shouldn’t be suspensions for non-NFL betting activities as these have no bearing on the legitimacy of sporting outcomes.  It has also been claimed that the geographical boundary imposed between inside and outside training facilities is arbitrary and needlessly stringent.

SiGMA’s regional summit in Limassol, Cyprus

SiGMA Balkans/CIS is only a few weeks away. It will be held at the City of Dreams, Europe’s first integrated resort from the 04 – 07 September.

Industry operators will be able to connect with leading affiliates and two conference stages will feature a number of high-profile guest speakers. There will also be an expo floor, including the SiGMA Startup Village. So much more is happening in Limassol! Check out all the details here.