Are NFL Referees Allowed to Bet on Games? Gamble? Casinos?
Published:
Sep 18, 2024
,
06:58 p.m.
ET
NFL referees face immense pressure and constant scrutiny in their role, often at the center of controversies and debates among fans who believe their calls sway the outcomes of games. While many fans might accuse referees of biased decisions or purposefully influencing the results, referees are simply trying to do their job amid the speed, complexity and ever-changing nature of professional football.
NFL referees must make split-second decisions with dozens of players on the field, though at times assisted by a video review system. Given the influence they wield in the flow of a game, many fans often ask about the NFL rules governing referees’ behavior, especially when it comes to gambling.
Can NFL refs bet on games?
When it comes to betting on NFL games, the rules are unsurprisingly crystal clear: NFL referees are strictly prohibited from betting on any NFL games. However, the rules around betting on other sports can be a bit more nuanced.
Unlike NFL players, who are allowed to bet on non-NFL sports as long as they don’t do so within team facilities, referees must adhere to additional rules. For example, they are prohibited from betting on other sports or engaging in any form of illegal gambling. Players may participate in legal non-sports gambling on personal time (when not traveling on club or League business), including during the season.
The NFL does not consider fantasy sports as a form of gambling, but it does have restrictions on the type of contests and the value of prizes available to league personnel, including players. NFL personnel may not accept prizes from any season-long fantasy contests in excess of $250. They cannot take part in any "daily or other similar short duration fantasy football game that offers a prize."
The NFL has increased its vigilance regarding referee conduct, given the widespread legalization of sports betting in the United States. Referees, as NFL Personnel, must maintain an impeccable reputation to ensure the fairness and integrity of the league. Their finances are often monitored, and they are required to report any instances where they have been approached with suspicious offers or propositions.
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Are NFL referees allowed to gamble in general? Go to casinos?
Beyond sports betting, referees are also subject to restrictions on gambling in general. Attending casinos, particularly if they are highly visible as NFL employees, can raise concerns about the potential for influence or manipulation. Referees are encouraged to be cautious about where they spend their time, especially in gambling environments. This includes not just avoiding sportsbooks but potentially steering clear of casinos and other gambling hubs. Such activities, while not entirely banned, are closely scrutinized to ensure that referees are not perceived as being compromised in any way.
NFL referees have even been advised to avoid wearing NFL-branded clothing when in public or at events where their role may be easily identified. The NFL’s strict gambling policies highlight how seriously the league takes the threat of undue influence.
History of bad actors attempting to influence NFL referees
The NFL's vigilance against referee misconduct stems from past instances where referees were approached in attempts to influence games. Dean Blandino, the NFL's former vice president of officiating, confirmed that referees have faced attempts to influence their calls for gambling purposes.
According to Blandino, there have been situations where individuals have approached referees while they were traveling during the season, prompting the NFL to instruct referees to avoid wearing gear that could identify them as officials. This was intended to reduce the risk of being targeted by people who might attempt to use them to sway the outcome of a game.
Though no major scandals involving NFL referees have surfaced in recent years, these incidents highlight the importance of strict regulations. The NBA, on the other hand, experienced a high-profile referee betting scandal in 2007 involving Tim Donaghy, where he was found guilty of betting on games he officiated. Since then, sports leagues have become increasingly aware of the risks of referees being compromised.
Is NFL referee a full-time job? Or do they have other jobs?
While the influence they have on games is undeniable, surprisingly, an NFL referee is not a full-time job. Many referees have other careers during and after the NFL season. These jobs range from lawyers and teachers to business owners and even CEOs. Although NFL referees are highly compensated, the job demands only a portion of their year. As a result, many maintain other professional engagements while being under NFL contracts during the season.
In recent years, there have been calls from media and players (including MVP QB Aaron Rodgers) for the NFL to make referees full-time employees. With full focus on their role as a referee of the most popular league in the country, they could theoretically dedicate more time to training, development, practice and studying. However, the NFL has kept them as part-time employees under the current CBA with the NFLRA union, likely in part due to the extra costs that making them full-time, year-round employees would incur.
During the season, a considerable portion of their refereeing duties is dedicated to reviewing their officiating performance, training sessions and traveling. The NFL commands 17 full crews consisting of seven referees working up to 16 games a week.
NFL gambling controversies, suspensions, bans
Despite strict gambling policies, the NFL has faced numerous controversies involving players and other personnel. Since 2022, 11 players have been suspended for violating the NFL’s gambling policy, including former Atlanta Falcons and current Tennessee Titans receiver Calvin Ridley, who was suspended for the entire 2022 season for betting on NFL games while away from the team. This strict approach to player gambling reinforces the NFL’s zero-tolerance stance.
In 2023, the league suspended players like Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams for six games for betting on non-football sports while in team facilities, highlighting how seriously the NFL treats gambling violations.
Referees gambling controversies in other sports
While the NFL has largely avoided major gambling scandals involving referees, other sports leagues have not been as fortunate. The NBA’s Tim Donaghy scandal remains one of the most infamous in professional sports. Donaghy, an NBA referee, was involved in betting on games he officiated and was sentenced to 15 months in prison in 2007. His actions led to increased scrutiny of referees across all major sports leagues.
Baseball also has its own history of referee-related betting scandals, including the allegedly questionable actions of MLB umpire Pat Hoberg. “During this year's Spring Training, Major League Baseball commenced an investigation regarding a potential violation of MLB's sports betting policies by umpire Pat Hoberg,” MLB said in a statement. “Mr. Hoberg was removed from the field during the pendency of that investigation. While MLB's investigation did not find any evidence that games worked by Mr. Hoberg were compromised or manipulated in any way, MLB determined that discipline was warranted." Note: Hoberg is appealing the decision.
Though his case didn’t see the same level of spotlight as Donaghy’s, it raised concerns about the influence of gambling on officiating in professional sports. Such incidents illustrate the challenges sports leagues face in maintaining the integrity of their games.
Gambling Addiction treatment & resources
While the NFL and other sports leagues enforce strict gambling rules, the problem of gambling addiction is widespread and can impact anyone, from athletes and referees to fans. Birches Health understands the challenges of overcoming gambling addiction. The Birches team is here to support your journey to recovery with a range of resources tailored to your needs.
You can also call 833-483-3838 or email hello@bircheshealth.com
