NFL gambling rules say players are not allowed to bet on any league events. However, a golf match featuring Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce has caused confusion.
The NFL has cracked down on players who have violated their gambling policy since 2022. This offseason alone, there have been six players that have been suspended indefinitely for gambling. Five of those players were subsequently waived by their teams since they were under contract.
According to the policy, league employees are prohibited from "placing, soliciting or facilitating any bet, whether directly or through a third party," on any league event, whether it's a game, the scouting combine, or the draft. However, employees are allowed to place bets on other sports, but not from a league facility or venue.
There was some confusion regarding the policy regarding non-NFL events featuring NFL players. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce competed in "The Match" golf competition against Steph Curry and Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors. According to ProFootballTalk, the NFL told the outlet that since it was a non-NFL event, then players and personnel could place a bet on it.
NFL gambling rules allow players to bet on non-league events featuring league players
So yes, if NFL players were to compete in a golf competition presented by TNT, then league employees are allowed to place a bet on it if they so choose.
For those curious, Mahomes and Kelce defeated Curry and Thompson in "The Match VIII," winning on the 10th hole in a 12-hole competition.
This past week, four players were suspended for gambling policy violations. Isaiah Rodgers and Rashod Berry of the Indianapolis Colts and free agent defensive lineman Demetrius Taylor were suspended indefinitely by the league, for betting on NFL games. Meanwhile, Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere was suspended six games for betting on a different sport from the team's facility.
Earlier this year, four Detroit Lions players were suspended by the league for gambling policy violations. Quintez Cephus and C.J. Moore were banned indefinitely by the league. Both will have to sit out one-year minimum before applying for reinstatement and both were waived. Jameson Williams and Stanley Berryhill each earned a six-game suspension. Berryhill was released by the Lions.
Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney was suspended indefinitely but remains with the team as of this writing.
Back in 2022, former Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley was suspended for the entire season for betting on NFL games. He was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars during his suspension and was reinstated at the start of the 2023 league year.
