NFL Implements Harsher Gambling Policy: Lifetime Ban for Betting Against Own Team, Reduced Penalties for Non-NFL Gambling

The NFL has made changes to its gambling policy for players, according to a league memo sent by Roger Goodell. The new policy includes harsher punishments for betting on NFL games, including a lifetime ban for betting against one's own team. However, players are now allowed to bet on other sports at team facilities. The revised policy also reduces penalties for non-NFL gambling offenses.

The Athletic provides an analysis of what these changes mean. The NFL's decision to revise its gambling policy reflects its ongoing struggle with legalized sports betting. The league has reinstated some players who were previously suspended and has made some punishments harsher and others more lenient. The NFL's updated guidelines state that betting on non-NFL sports from the workplace will result in a two-game suspension without pay for a first violation, a six-game suspension without pay for a second violation, and suspension without pay for subsequent violations. The possibility of a lifetime ban is now included in the NFL's new gambling policy. The NFL and NFLPA have jointly amended the gambling policy, adding stricter punishments for betting on NFL games and reducing discipline for betting on other sports. The suspension for a first offense of gambling on other sports at work has been reduced from six games to two games. Violations of the gambling policy will result in a one-year suspension, and two years if a player bets on their own team. Any game fixing will result in banishment from the league. The NFL and NFLPA's message is clear: do not bet on the NFL.