With legal sports betting growing across the U.S., the question keeps coming up—can NFL players bet on games? The short answer is no, they can’t bet on NFL games, but it isn’t as simple as a yes or no. With millions on the line in every matchup, where does the league draw the line and what exactly are the rules?
NFL players have more access to inside information than anyone else in the league. Heck, they even have the power to potentially throw a game. So, the league must have clear policies, and while players are technically banned from betting on NFL games, there are other forms of gambling they can participate in.
This page breaks down the NFL’s stance on player betting, what’s allowed, what’s not, and the consequences for breaking the rules. If you’ve ever wondered how strict the NFL really is about gambling, here’s what you need to know.
Why Can’t NFL Players Bet on Games?
NFL players betting on games has been a contentious issue for decades. The league wants to protect the integrity of the sport and ensure that contests are highly competitive. Banning athletes from wagering on games aligns with this goal.
Players have a direct impact on results and can manipulate the action. For example, a player could bet against their team and perform poorly to improve their odds of winning.
Insider knowledge is another reason why NFL players can’t bet on games. Athletes have exclusive access to locker rooms and know about injuries, game plans, and controversies before the public.
They can use this knowledge to gain an unfair edge in sports betting.
NFL Players Betting on Games: League Policy & Famous Cases
League policy prohibits players and all personnel from betting on anything related to an NFL contest. But what happens if a player breaks the rules?
Here are a couple of famous cases where that happened and the consequences the players faced.
NFL Player Suspended For Gambling: Calvin Ridley
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley represents the most famous case of a player who violated the league gambling policy.
Ridley stepped away from football for most of 2021 due to mental health reasons.
While away from the game, he placed three NFL parlay bets totaling $1,500 on the Hard Rock sports betting app. He included his team in these parlays, picking the Falcons to win each time.
On March 7, 2022, the NFL announced that Ridley was suspended for the entire 2022 season. He also forfeited his $11.1 million base salary for violating the rule of NFL players betting on games.
NFL Player Caught Gambling: Josh Shaw
Former NFL cornerback Josh Shaw is another player suspended for gambling on football games.
Shaw signed a contract with the Arizona Cardinals in 2019 and hurt his shoulder later that year.
While on injured reserve, Shaw placed a parlay bet in Las Vegas, including the Cardinals losing.
On November 29, 2019, the NFL suspended the cornerback for wagering on games. Shaw’s suspension lasted for 21 games total, and he got reinstated.
He currently plays for the Birmingham Stallions in the USFL.
Can NFL Players Bet on Other Sports?
Yes, NFL athletes are allowed to wager on other sports where permitted. Official league rules state:
“All NFL Personnel other than Players are further prohibited from placing, soliciting, or facilitating bets on any other professional (e.g., NBA, MLB, NHL, PGA, USTA, MLS), college (e.g., NCAA basketball), international (e.g., World Baseball Classic, World Cup), or Olympic sports competition, tournament or event.”
Interestingly, players are the only league personnel who can gamble on other sports. Coaches, referees, trainers, and other employees, are not allowed to bet on any sporting event.
Much of this situation concerns the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), which fights for players’ rights. The NFLPA has ensured that athletes can enjoy sports betting involving non-league competitions.
NFL Players Can’t bet On Pro Football, But You Can!
The NFL has made it clear—players can’t bet on pro football, and those who do risk serious consequences. The league enforces strict gambling policies to protect the integrity of the game, and recent suspensions prove they aren’t messing around. But while the players are stuck on the sidelines, you don’t have to be.
Online sportsbooks offer endless betting options for NFL fans, from point spreads and moneylines to live betting and player props. You don’t need insider access to find value—just the right strategy, smart timing, and a good understanding of the odds.
If you want to bet on the NFL, make sure you’re using a trusted sportsbook, managing your bankroll wisely, and taking advantage of the best odds available. The players may not be able to place bets, but as a fan, you’ve got the freedom to make your picks and cash in on the action.
Before you place your bets, read our NFL betting guide for tips and strategies to win more often.
FAQ
Answers to some of our reader’s most common questions?
Can NFL players place bets on themselves?
No, NFL players cannot gamble on their performances. Some prop bets involve statistics on individual players, including quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers.
Such players could influence associated prop bets to a great degree.
Can NFL players gamble in Vegas?
NFL players can enjoy most forms of gambling in Las Vegas. They can even bet on sports so long as they’re not wagering on pro football games. The key is that they avoid betting on NFL games.
Can NFL players go to the casino?
Yes, NFL athletes can visit casinos and play any game, such as blackjack, craps, poker, or roulette. The NFLPA has fought hard to ensure that players can enjoy most forms of gambling.
However, NFL players must refrain from betting on league games inside casino sportsbooks or real money gambling sites.
About the Author
Alonzo Solano
The Boss of Betting, Editor-in-Chief & Sports Analyst
Alonzo Solano is an author, sports analyst, Editor in Chief of BossofBetting.com, and host of the 'NFL Latino TV' podcast.
Outside of family, his biggest passion is NFL football. Perhaps he is best known for his podcast 'NFL Latino TV,' where he shares his analysis and perspectives on the game with a worldwide Spanish-speaking audience.
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