NFL Reminds Players of Gambling Rules, Reissues Policy

The NFL on Friday reminded all players that they are prohibited from taking part in illegal gambling and from betting on NFL games, asking teams to reissue and make readily available the league’s gambling policy. In a memo the league circulated to the 32 clubs, the NFL Management Council said players must "take appropriate steps to safeguard the game against gambling-related risks that may undermine the confidence and trust of the fans" and urged teams to reiterate key rules to their rosters.

The memo restated core prohibitions: players may not place bets on NFL football, attempt to throw or fix any NFL game or event, manipulate any play or aspect of a game, or share confidential, nonpublic information about NFL games, players or events with third parties. Teams were directed to distribute the document to players and ensure they understand those restrictions.

The league said the reminder follows an FBI investigation into illicit gambling activities that resulted in the arrests of NBA coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and others. The memo said those developments underscore gambling risks across sports and reinforce the need for strict adherence to the NFL’s rules.