If you’re an NFL player, and thought about using a sports betting app or something akin to it? Word of advice: don’t you are. Players left and right are getting caught with their hands in the virtual cookie jar. By whom? Not by other players, but by apps like FanDuel snitching on them to the league.
The NFLPA recently sent out a letter to all agents regarding the recent suspensions that were handed out as a result of finding out they’ve been using sportsbook apps to gamble:
“I am sure all of you have seen the recent suspensions of players that resulted from violations of the NFL Gambling Policy (which is unilaterally imposed by the NFL and not collectively bargained),” the email said. “These recent violations involved players placing bets using mobile apps on their phone while at work or while traveling with their teams. This is a violation of the NFL’s Gambling Policy.”
We saw how recent examples of how the NFL does not mess around when it comes to preserving the integrity of their game. New Jacksonville Jaguars WR Calvin Ridley was suspended for the entire 2022 season because of gambling. The letter continues:
“During the NFL’s investigations, we have learned that these apps (like FanDuel) are highly sensitive and very sophisticated at tracking, among other things, user location to be sure that the people using the app are not ‘prohibited gamblers’ and/or that the person using the app is in a location where they are allowed to place bets on the app. We have confirmed that some states monitor/audit FanDuel and the other gambling apps to ensure that the companies are in compliance with state law. Further, the apps monitor gambler activity. It was as part of that monitoring that the NFL learned of the players using the apps at work in violation of NFL rules. At no time should players open or use any mobile gambling app while at work.”
Ridley’s not just the only example, either. The NFL recently dropped the hammer on several Lions players for betting on sports games. They may not care so much about PEDs or some off-the-field legal issues, but when it comes to gambling? Bet at your own risk, fellas.