NFL changes gambling policy, reduces player penalty for betting on other sports at work

The NFL made changes in its gambling policy. And that’s good news for players who gamble on other games at work.

Under the revised policy, the league reduced the penalty for players who bet on other sports while on NFL premises or NFL business to two games for the first offense. Previously, the penalty was a six-game suspension.

For the second offense, it’s a six-game suspension. A third offense will result in a one-year suspension.

The penalty for betting on NFL games has increased. A player who bets on a game involving his team now faces a minimum suspension of two years. That doubles the previous minimum suspension.

Ultimately, each suspension is determined by the league. And although the NFL works with the NFL Players Association on these issues, the league has full and final control over the policy, in all respects.

Players remain free to bet on non-NFL sporting events while off duty. Which continues to raise the question of how it isn’t an affront to the integrity of the game to place a bet on the sidewalks outside the team’s facility but becomes one once the player walks through the front door.

Also, there is no indication that the NFL is relaxing the rules for non-players. Currently, any non-player who bets on any game, NFL or otherwise, faces severe penalties, up to and including termination.