NFL chief compliance officer Sabrina Perel is taking proactive measures to educate teams on the league’s sports betting policy through a 30-minute in-person session.
She expects her department to hold these sessions with over 20 teams this summer.
In the 30-minute review, Perel explained specific guidelines emphasizing the long-standing wagering ban on NFL games. For instance, players are permitted to bet on other sports legally. However, they must refrain from any betting activities in their workplace, including stadiums, training facilities and hotels during away games.
In addition to players, Perel also addressed rules applicable to coaches and league employees. They are strictly prohibited from betting on any sport at any time and location.
Players’ queries on betting policies
Legalization’s impact on players, coaches and staff is evident in the questions raised during Perel’s sessions. Players often seek clarification on where they can bet on other sports. Perel explained how integrity monitors use geolocation systems to identify bets made at professional or college facilities.
Another common question is about handling bets made by friends or family at their homes. Perel clarified that while the NFL doesn’t explicitly prohibit this, it could raise concerns for integrity monitors, leading to league inquiries. She also warned against sharing inside information during casual conversations at home.
This year alone, the NFL suspended nine players for gambling violations. Three received six-game suspensions for betting on other sports at a team facility. The other six, accused of betting on NFL games, face suspensions of at least one season.
“You should know that you shouldn’t bet on your own games … That should be obvious.”
Matt Holt, U.S. Integrity founder and CEO
U.S. Integrity founder and CEO Matt Holt stressed the importance of athletes being aware of the rules related to sports betting. His company provides integrity monitoring services to the NFL along with data distributor Genius.
“You should know that you shouldn’t bet on your own games… That should be obvious,” Holt said.
However, Holt pointed out that many professional or collegiate athletes may be unaware of the specific rules regarding betting from hotels or the regulations in different states. He asserts that there needs to be an education on legal sports betting, clarifying what actions are against the league’s policies and what is considered illegal under state laws.
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.
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