Since the Supreme Court threw open the door to legalized sports betting, the NFL has embedded itself in the market, including official partnerships with DraftKings and FanDuel and sportsbooks in NFL stadiums. It also has a network of integrity firms to monitor betting patterns.
While it’s a new landscape, the NFL’s policy remains clear: “Any person who is involved in the operation of a team or league-related activity (e.g., players, coaches, front-office staff) shall not place any bet on any NHL game or event.” The policy is posted in every dressing room in the NHL.
The league also carries out regular training sessions for its employees, with the exact details of those differing on an individual basis. Highhill says that a primary focus of the education is to emphasize that players, coaches and front-office staff are not allowed to bet on their own teams.
The NCAA is working hard to make sure its student-athletes understand the dangers of gambling and how it threatens the integrity of college sports. It has a new e-learning module to educate current and prospective students on the issue, which it explains is a growing threat to both their financial well-being and the health of athletics programs. The NCAA also has a network of contacts with state regulators to help spot any potential integrity issues. It also has a sports betting e-learning tool to help schools develop their own educational offerings. In addition to the training, the NCAA has a team dedicated to sports betting, including monitoring player wagers and identifying potential problem areas.