NFL Memo Signals Tougher Line on Prop Bets, But Sweeping Changes Remain Unlikely

Sports betting scandals are currently plaguing the NBA, MLB, UFC, and NCAA, among other sports leagues. How has the NFL managed to remain unscathed?

On Thursday, a league memo was sent to all 32 teams detailing the NFL’s efforts to stay ahead of the curve in this regard. It read in part that the NFL is “actively engaged with both state lawmakers and regulators, as well as with our sports betting partners, to limit — and where possible prohibited altogether — prop bets.”

What Types of Prop Bets Were Addressed?

Notably, some of the prop bets mentioned in the memo aren’t even offered by legal US sportsbooks. Here are the “prohibited wager categories” addressed in the memo:

• Inherently Objectionable: Markets or bets that are inherently or designed to be derogatory or inflammatory, or otherwise based on subject matter against public policy (e.g., player injuries, fan safety, misconduct, etc.).
• Officiating-Related: Markets or bets based on officials or officiating (e.g., officiating assignments, penalties, replays, etc.).
• Determinable by One Person in One Play: Based on outcomes 100% determinable by one person in one play (e.g., kicker to miss FG attempt, QB’s first pass to be incomplete, etc.).
• Pre-Determined: Pre-determined outcomes directly related to on-field competition (e.g., Will QB start this week? Will team’s first play from scrimmage be a run or pass, etc.).

As for when—or even if—these changes might take effect, the timeline remains uncertain. There is also the belief that removing player props from the betting menus at regulated sportsbooks will not solve the problem. Bettors will likely gravitate to offshore books, making it more difficult to uncover such incidents without the presence of regulatory watchdogs.

NFL Untouched by Major Sports Betting Scandal (So Far)

When you consider the biggest sports betting scandals involving players since the repeal of PASPA in 2018, the case of Calvin Ridley pales in comparison to the current spot-fixing scandals in MLB and the NBA. Ridley was never found to have bet against his own team, which was the Atlanta Falcons at the time.

Ridley didn’t manipulate any games, as he wasn’t even playing at the time and was dealing with mental health issues. The NFL still took a hardline stance and suspended Ridley for a season without pay. That remains the most severe penalty the league has imposed on a player for gambling-related violations.

The NFL is among the most vigilant leagues when it comes to players and employees betting on their sport. It’s noteworthy that no players were sanctioned for violating the league’s gambling policy last season (compared to 10 in 2023). That streak has continued through the first half of this season.

How long will that last? Only time will tell.