The National Football League (NFL) has issued a memo to all team personnel ahead of Super Bowl 58 in Las Vegas, reminding them that they are not allowed to participate in gambling activities. This is the first time the Super Bowl is being held in the gambling capital of the U.S., and the league wants to ensure the integrity of the game is protected.
Commissioner Roger Goodell stated in the memo that the league's policy prohibits employees from betting on sports or entering a sportsbook in Vegas. This guidance comes as professional sports navigate the new world of legalized sports gambling, which is now legal in 38 states. Since the repeal of a law restricting gambling in 2018, over $300 billion has been wagered, according to the American Gaming Association.
Super Bowl 58 in Vegas is expected to be the most bet on NFL championship ever, and professional sports leagues have embraced gambling as a burgeoning revenue stream. GeoComply, a company that tracks sports betting by location, has seen a 24% increase in gambling transactions since the start of the NFL playoffs compared to last year.
The NFL's memo contains a list of rules that apply to owners, executives, coaches, football and medical personnel, and office staff on all teams. Players face even tougher restrictions, including one- or two-year suspensions or even indefinite suspensions if caught gambling on their team or other games.
The league has already suspended nearly a dozen players for violating these rules, and it is currently investigating a draft pick who allegedly placed thousands of bets while underage.
To prevent personnel from entering sportsbooks, the league has arranged for teams to stay in hotels about 30 minutes away from the Las Vegas strip. While nonparticipating team personnel are permitted to play casino games or slots during their personal time or off hours, employees of the Chiefs and 49ers will not be allowed to play until after the Super Bowl.
Overall, the NFL is taking steps to ensure that its personnel adhere to the league's policy on gambling and protect the integrity of the game during this historic Super Bowl in Las Vegas.