As the NFL gears up for its much-anticipated season kickoff in two weeks, the league is doubling down on security measures to combat sports betting among its players. This move comes in response to recent controversies in the NBA and MLB, where lifetime bans have been handed out to players involved in betting scandals.

On-Site Officials and Anomaly Detection

The NFL is taking proactive steps by deploying investigators to monitor game days for any signs of suspicious activity. These investigators, comprised of retired FBI agents and high-ranking police officers, will be on the lookout for behaviors that could indicate potential betting violations. According to Cathy Lanier, the NFL’s Senior Vice President of Security, these investigators are trained to detect anomalies, although the specifics of what constitutes an “anomaly” remain vague.

In addition to on-site monitoring, the NFL’s security team is also keeping a close eye on betting markets. They are looking for unusual shifts in odds, particularly those related to player performance. Such irregularities have already led to significant consequences in other leagues. For instance, the NBA’s Raptors faced scrutiny when Jontay Porter’s player props were flagged as top moneymakers on DraftKings Sportsbook twice in a short period, sparking an investigation. Similarly, MLB’s San Diego Padres infielder Tucipita Marcano received a lifetime ban after a similar report.

NFL’s Strict Betting Guidelines

The NFL is known for having the strictest sports betting regulations among major sports leagues. Players are prohibited from betting on any NFL games or events, including the draft or combine. While they are allowed to bet on other sports, team staff members face an outright ban on all sports betting.

The league has not hesitated to enforce these rules. In June 2023, three players were handed one-year suspensions for violating the betting policy. One of the most notable cases occurred in March 2022 when wide receiver Calvin Ridley received a one-year suspension for betting on NFL games, including those of his own team, the Atlanta Falcons. Despite these measures, the NFL has yet to issue a lifetime ban for betting violations, though many within the league believe it’s only a matter of time before such a punishment is handed out.

The Impact on Players

While the NFL tightens its grip on betting-related activities, players are feeling the pressure from multiple angles. Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler shared his concerns with Bloomberg, noting that while sports betting and fantasy football can enhance fan engagement, they also have the potential to reduce players to mere commodities. Ekeler’s sentiments echo those of NBA star Tyrese Haliburton, who lamented how dehumanizing it feels to be bet on. Haliburton expressed his frustration in March, saying, “To half the world, I’m just helping them make money on DraftKings or whatever. I’m a prop.”

The issue isn’t confined to professional leagues. The NCAA has also taken a stand against prop betting at the collegiate level. NCAA President Charlie Baker highlighted the harassment faced by college athletes due to betting, stressing that it poses a significant threat to the integrity of competition.

Will It Work?

As sports betting continues to grow in popularity, the NFL’s efforts to safeguard the integrity of its games and protect its players are more critical than ever. By implementing rigorous security measures and maintaining strict betting guidelines, the league aims to prevent the controversies that have plagued the NBA and MLB from taking root in its own ranks. However, as the pressure on players mounts, the conversation around the impact of betting on athletes’ mental and emotional well-being is likely to intensify, prompting further debate on how best to balance fan engagement with player welfare.