The NFL betting policy, which had been facing criticism, now includes stricter penalties for players wagering on their own team. However, it reduced penalties for players wagering on non-NFL games while at work.
Ten players have been handed various suspensions in 2023 for betting violations dating back to last season. These changes mean that Detroit Lions WR Jameson Williams and Tennessee Titans OL Nick Petit-Frere will be reinstated Monday after serving four-game suspensions. Williams and Petit-Frere had been subject to six-game suspensions for betting on non-NFL games under the previous policy.
Dekkers only 20 when he allegedly wagered.
“ We are working with the NFL Players Association to develop a program to educate players regarding the changes to the policy and that program will roll out shortly,” Goodell said.
Statement on new NFL betting policy
A joint statement from the NFL and NFLPA reads:
“ The NFL and NFL Players Association share a longstanding and unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity of the game. The NFL periodically reviews the gambling policy in consultation with the NFLPA and clubs to ensure it is responsive to changing circumstances and fully addresses this commitment.”
Per the new rules:
- Actual or attempted game fixing: permanent banishment from the NFL
- Betting on NFL football: indefinite suspension, minimum of one year; becomes minimum of two years if player bets on an NFL game involving his team.
- Inside information and tipping: indefinite suspension, minimum of one year
- Third party or proxy betting: indefinite suspension, minimum of one year
Lesser NFL betting penalties at work
The NFL also changed its policy on players wagering while using team facilities or otherwise ‘on the clock’ for business:
- First violation: two-game suspension without pay.
- Second violation: six-game suspension without pay.
- Third violation: suspension without pay for at least one year.
