The NFL has been very consistent with how they punish those that gamble on games. It’s an indefinite suspension for anyone who bets on NFL games and the new precedent is six games for those who bet on non-NFL games in facilities.
NFL insider Aaron Wilson reported that the NFLPA issued an alert to all agents that sportsbooks have tracking software that has helped the NFL issue suspensions.
“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.”
It’s intriguing that the NFLPA sent this memo to the agents and not to the players directly since they are the ones that are impacted. The league has suspended six players over the last 18 months and there were reportedly multiple staffers that were let go as well.
This policy isn’t likely to change and is relatively easy to follow. Just don’t bet at work.