NFL players take notice: Those gambling apps you’re using to wager on sporting events are watching you.
And they’re reporting everything they see to the NFL.
Pro Football Talk reported Monday that the NFLPA had notified all player agents the same thing. Tthe recent suspensions of several NFL players involved the use of gambling apps the players downloaded on their phones.
PFT obtained a copy of the letter the union sent.
“I am sure all of you have seen the recent suspensions of players that resulted from violations of the NFL Gambling Policy (which is unilaterally imposed by the NFL and not collectively bargained). These recent violations involved players placing bets using mobile apps on their phones while at work or traveling with their teams. This is a violation of the NFL’s Gambling Policy.
“During the NFL’s investigations we have learned that these apps (like FanDuel) are highly sensitive and very sophisticated at tracking, among other things, user location to be sure that the people using the app are not ‘prohibited gamblers’ and/or that the person using the app is in a location where they are allowed to place bets on the app. We have confirmed that some states monitor/audit FanDuel and the other gambling apps to ensure that the companies are in compliance with state law.
“Further the apps monitor gambler activity. As part of that monitoring, the NFL learned of the players using the apps at work in violation of NFL rules. At no time should players open or use any mobile gambling app while at work.”
Like most people, players probably don’t realize how apps can track everything. A user’s location, activity, personal information, and other details are all susceptible.
The NFL recently suspended Detroit Lions wide receiver Quintez Cephus and safety C.J. Moore. They also suspended Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney, who will miss the entire 2023 season for gambling on NFL games.
Lions players Stanley Berryhill and Jameson Williams will each serve six-game suspensions to start the season. Those suspensions were handed down for gambling on non-NFL games.
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.