Gambling is a widespread part of sports.
As of March 2024, 38 states have legalized some form of gambling, whether online or retail.
While fans are encouraged to give it a try, athletes and league officials are strictly prohibited from gambling due to obvious concerns of insider trading and match-fixing.
Still, there are several examples of players being disciplined for sports betting. Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter and Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani are the latest athletes to face potential issues, with both being investigated by their respective leagues.
What are the specific policies of each sports league? Also, what are the penalties for violations?
Here's a league-by-league breakdown of sports gambling policies:
What is the NFL's gambling policy?
Players can bet on non-NFL events through legal sportsbooks. All other league personnel (coaches, officials, trainers, etc.) are prohibited from making any sports bets. The only other rule for players is that they cannot place bets from their team or league facility or while on the road with their team.
NFL players are allowed to play fantasy sports with some restrictions on the type of contest and the value of prizes available, but NFL officials cannot accept prizes exceeding $250 from fantasy contests. you can't.
Each player's contract contains rules regarding gambling, so they must sign an agreement acknowledging the restrictions. Players who bet on the NFL will be suspended indefinitely for at least one year (Calvin Ridley, Quintez Cephas, CJ Moore, Josh Shaw, Shaka Toney), while those who bet in unauthorized locations Suspended for 6 games (Jameson Williams), Stanley Berryhill).
What is the NBA's gambling policy?
Players, teams, and league employees may not bet on the NBA or its properties (WNBA, G League, Summer League, etc.). If sports betting is legal in the area, players and employees will be allowed to bet on other sports. Fantasy basketball can be played as long as there is no prize money.
Players are not required to sign a statement acknowledging the policy, but there is language in the collective bargaining agreement that deals with topics such as sports betting.
Violators may be fined, suspended, or terminated if found guilty. You can read more about Porter's allegations and potential punishment here.
What is MLB's gambling policy?
All uniformed personnel, as well as team and league employees, are permitted to gamble on anything not related to baseball. Betting on amateur games or fantasy baseball is not allowed, but players can bet without restrictions where betting is legal (as long as the bookmaker is legal).
Athletes are not required to sign a statement acknowledging the policy, but the rules are enshrined in the collective bargaining agreement signed in 2022.
Penalties vary depending on the severity of the violation. Match-fixing (intentionally tanking or losing) will result in a permanent ban. If a player receives a personnel offer or receives a gift for defeating an opponent, a three-year suspension is allowed. If a player gives a gift to a referee, he will be banned for life.
Learn more about MLB's gambling policy here.
“This is all a complete lie,” Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani said Monday regarding the gambling scandal surrounding him and his interpreter.
What is the NHL's gambling policy?
Like other professional leagues, hockey players cannot bet on their own league, but they are allowed to bet on non-NHL events. This rule applies to players and employees who work for teams and leagues.
NHL players must approve the league's gambling policy when they sign their contracts, which clearly spell out the restrictions.
Penalties may include fines, termination of contract, permanent or indefinite suspension, or outright expulsion. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has the authority to impose discipline, as stated in the collective bargaining agreement.
What is the NCAA gambling policy?
Gambling on NCAA-sponsored sports at any level is prohibited, but gambling on horse racing, boxing, mixed martial arts, and cricket is permitted. This policy applies to student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and officials.
Student-athletes are required to sign the NCAA Student-Athlete Statement annually, which covers rules such as gambling policies. If the school finds a violation, the student-athlete will be declared ineligible and must be individually reviewed by the Student-Athlete Returning Staff. Penalties can be more or less severe depending on the frequency of bets, the amount wagered, and the sport involved.
