NFL defines prop bet restrictions for players and staff

The NFL has issued a memo to team officials detailing the restrictions placed upon prop bets for players and staff following the recent scandals unveiled within the NBA and MLB, both of which involved multiple counts of integrity-threatening gambling practices.

"In formulating policies to address the legalization of sports betting, our highest priority has been protecting the integrity of the game. In recent weeks, federal law enforcement has brought serious criminal charges alleging illegal behavior in the context of so-called 'prop' bets - wagers largely or entirely dependent on the actions of a single player," the NFL said within the memo.

"From the earliest days of legal sports betting, we have recognized the particular risks associated with prop bets and the corrosive effect they have on fan perceptions, league reputation and the safety of players, club staff and game officials. Accordingly, we have actively engaged with both state lawmakers and regulators, as well as with our sports betting partners, to limit - and where possible prohibited altogether - prop bets in the NFL."

Despite the NFL's apparent stance on prop bets, changes to football betting menus are not expected to be made by operators, including those partnered with the league such as DraftKings and FanDuel.

In essence, the memo serves as a reminder to league officials and players of which bets cannot be made, even on licensed sportsbooks.

The memo continues: "Our commercial agreements are regularly reviewed and updated to prohibit wagers that are tied to the kind of conduct that was identified in recent federal law enforcement activity, and we maintain regular contact with state officials to ensure that these wagers are appropriately addressed."

The NFL outlined specific wagers which are limited and possibly prohibited to players and staff, including markets or bets that are "inherently or designed to be derogatory or inflammatory," such as player injuries or misconduct.

Any wagers based upon officiating or are determined by a single person in one play, such as a kicker to miss a field goal, are prohibited for those working in league circles.

Pre-determined outcomes related directly to on-field competition will also be prohibited, given the worry surrounding injury statuses and the opening play of the game.