Blandino, a well-recognized figure in NFL officiating, recently offered intriguing revelations about the league’s stringent measures to protect the integrity of games. While sanctions against players guilty of gambling violations have helped reduce such cases, NFL officials face even stricter checks. Blandino revealed that some referees had received offers to influence games. However, he remained confident in the league’s integrity safeguards.

Referees Undergo Frequent and Comprehensive Checks

Speaking on the “Awful Announcing” podcast, Dean Blandino delved into how the rising prominence of legalized sports betting has necessitated enhanced vetting processes for current and prospective NFL referees. He was adamant that the league had delegated massive resources to prevent match-fixing, adding that evolving policies helped the NFL keep up with new developments.

Blandino shed light on the vigilance exercised during the season, emphasizing the strict monitoring of officials’ bank accounts for suspicious spikes in funds coinciding with game days. He stressed the significance of closely tracking betting lines to analyze the correlation between calls made by individual officials and their potential impact on those lines.

If a game official has $10 in their bank account on Friday, and then they work a game, and now there’s $100,000, that’s a red flag, right?

Dean Blandino

The former NFL VP of Officiating highlighted the meticulous protocols employed in examining referees’ business associations, potential conflicts of interest, and even their financial transactions. Blandino underscored how the NFL has faced instances where individuals approached referees with offers to influence games. The league has implemented stringent guidelines, including restrictions on officials wearing NFL-branded gear to avoid compromising situations.

Frequent Policy Updates Set an Example for Other Leagues

The NFL’s growing association with sportsbooks and official partnerships with leading betting platforms has prompted a steadfast commitment to stringent gambling regulations. In September, the league reinforced its gambling policy, imposing harsher penalties against players betting on their teams. This proactive approach is paying substantial dividends, significantly reducing the frequency of high-profile scandals.

Despite the league’s ongoing efforts and genuine commitment to integrity, some athletes still test existing safeguards by engaging in illegal wagering. June saw the NFL issue indefinite suspensions to three offending players, hoping the harsh penalties would deter new offenses. The strategy, combined with evolving policies and education efforts, appears successful, as fewer such cases have made the news.

Blandino’s insight was instrumental in highlighting the NFL’s incredible 2023 progress toward mitigating the downsides of its close relationship with sports betting. Nevada congresswoman Dina Titus recently praised the league for its consistent and efficient approach, noting it would provide fans with confidence in the fairness of the games they wager on.

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The National Football League (NFL) recently implemented revamped sports betting policies, eliciting praise from Congresswoman Dina Titus who had earlier raised concerns about the lack of clarity in the league’s protocols.

NFL Introduces Stricter Measures for In-League Betting and Leniency for Non-NFL Wagers

Following a series of gambling-related violations involving nearly a dozen players, the NFL unveiled stricter penalties for players caught betting on games. Under the new policy, wagering on NFL games now results in an indefinite suspension of at least one year. If a player bets on their own team, the suspension period escalates to a minimum of two years. Fixing a game leads to a lifetime ban.

However, the NFL has lightened penalties for players betting on non-NFL sports within a club or league facility. Notably, Detroit Lions’ Jameson Williams and Titans’ Nicholas Petit-Frere had their suspensions reduced from six to four games for such offenses. A two-game suspension is now in place for first-time offenders caught betting on non-NFL sports from a team facility.

Titus, a prominent congresswoman from the gambling hub of Nevada, had previously urged the NFL to enhance transparency in its gambling policies. Following the recent changes, she commended the league for creating a clearer distinction between legal wagering on non-football events and activities that threaten the game’s integrity.

Titus Commends Stricter Penalties for Betting on Own League Games

Titus, in her statement, emphasized the importance of clear and consistent penalties, assuring fans that the games they bet on are fair. Titus stated:

I‘m glad that the NFL created a distinction between behavior that threatens the integrity of the game and legal wagering on other sports. Penalties for game fixing and betting on one’s own league should be more serious than betting on other sports. Every sports league should remain focused on protecting the product on the field.

Dina Titus statement

The revised policy also addresses the issue of inside information dissemination. Anyone found sharing such information now faces a one-year suspension. Additionally, players caught betting on NFL games through third-party accounts or proxies will be suspended for a year under the new rules.

These changes, viewed as a positive step by many, were formulated after extensive consultation with active and former players, as well as the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) leadership. A key aspect of the policy is its proactive approach to prevent players from wagering on their own team’s games, ensuring the integrity of the sport remains intact.

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Since the start of the year, the National Football League (NFL), has implemented penalties against approximately a dozen players for alleged breaches of its gambling policies. Now, the League confirmed changes related to its policies, making some of the rules tougher while easing others. On Friday, the NFL unveiled changes regarding its policies which were adjusted in collaboration with the NFL Players Association.

Per the latest changes, the NFL would impose tougher penalties for players who bet on League games. Such may include an indefinite suspension for a minimum of one year. In cases when a player wagers on their own team, the suspension would be two years.

On the other hand, any attempts at match-fixing or successful manipulation would be subject to a permanent ban from the NFL. Similarly, providing tips or insider information may result in indefinite suspension, a minimum of one year. The same penalty would be applicable for proxy betting.

The biggest change in the gambling policy involves betting on sports while traveling or while at team facilities. Under the new changes, first-time offenders would be subject to a two-game suspension without pay. Second-time offenders would be penalized with a six-game suspension without pay while third-time violators of the policy would be subject to at least one year suspension without pay.

Three Suspended Players Reinstated

In a joint statement, the NFL and the NFLPA confirmed that they are dedicated to ensuring the integrity of the sport. The NFL added that it analyzes and improves its policies periodically. Moreover, the League said that the changes are communicated with the NFLPA.

“The NFL and NFL Players Association share a longstanding and unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity of the game. The NFL periodically reviews the gambling policy in consultation with the NFLPA and clubs to ensure it is responsive to changing circumstances and fully addresses this commitment,“

reveals a statement by the NFL and NFLPA

Considering the changes to the gambling policies, the NFL confirmed that it is reinstating three players who were suspended under the previous policies. As a result, Tennessee Titans offensive lineman Nicholas Petit-Frere and Detroit Lions receiver Jameson Williams were reinstated effective Monday. Under the previous gambling policy, the duo would’ve stayed suspended for two more games.

On the other hand, the free agent Stanley Berryhill would also be reinstated, effective Tuesday. Similar to Petit-Frere and Williams, Berryhill was suspended from the NFL for a total of six games.

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Over the last five years, legal sports betting has grown exponentially across the United States. The repeal of PASPA in 2018 started this process and by now, more than 30 states offer some form of legal sports betting, while a handful of states have legalized the activity and anticipate its launch.

Professional sports leagues have also joined the hype, with recognizable sports betting giants sponsoring popular teams and professional athletes participating in commercials. Amid the popularity of betting, the National Football League (NFL) was shaken by scandals and more than a dozen players facing penalties over allegations of breaches related to gambling since the start of the year.

Now, a report released by The Associated Press reveals that some athletes approve of the efforts of the NFL when it comes to education on gambling policies, while others think that those actions came a little too late. Mason Cole, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ center, supported the idea that the policies presented by the NFL when it comes to gambling have been clear. “Nobody wants to be suspended without pay for a year. Nobody is trying to do that, so I think it’s a pretty good deterrent,” explained Cole.

There are currently six primary rules related to gambling introduced by the NFL. In addition to the league, the NFL Players Association also contributed toward education on gambling policies. In general, the rules prohibit athletes from betting on any NFL game or placing bets via third parties. The rules also do not allow fantasy football wagering and prohibit placing bets on other sports while on league property, or while with the team at a hotel, airplane or other team facilities. Despite the established rules, more than a dozen athletes have faced penalties since the start of the year.

Gambling Is All around Athletes

While some agree that the policies on gambling are clear, others criticized the expansion of legal sports betting such as Deatrich Wise Jr., the defensive end for the New England Patriots who said: “You have a team in Vegas that’s pretty much right beside the biggest gambling spot in the world.” He said that outside of radio and TV, he sees information regarding different bets, including fantasy leagues and other gambling activities. The Patriots defensive end added: “So gambling is around us more and more.”

The six rules within the NFL’s gambling policy sounded different last year, added Jerry Jacobs, cornerback for the Detroit Lions. He criticized the policies, explaining that last year the rules were not presented in such a way. According to Jacobs, last year the athletes were only told not to gamble, without the specifics on where that was and wasn’t allowed.

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When entering a casino floor, visitors are required to comply with certain regulations. It’s a common rule for casinos around the world to prohibit customers from carrying any type of firearm or weapons such as knives or blades. While some casinos allow taking photos, others have strict rules that prohibit such activities. But given the rocketing popularity of social media and live streaming, gambling operators start to see the picture more clearly and open up to the idea of social media spreading content from the casino floors.

One gambling giant that has implemented changes to its rules about video streaming and photos, in particular, is MGM Resorts International. The globally-recognized gaming and entertainment company takes care of nine casino resorts in Nevada alone. Only recently, it has announced the implementation of new policies related to table games and guest technology use.

The latest update implements changes to MGM’s Gaming Streaming/Video/Photo policies and according to a statement released by the company, are in effect for its Nevada-based properties. Ultimately, the changes seek to allow guests to be able to take videos and photos. Of course, the updated policies specify that this can be done “when appropriate.” Additionally, guests would be able to share different content via social media that can be pre-recorded or broadcasted live, an activity that is popular as streaming.

“The new policy is aimed at allowing our guests to take photos and videos, and, when appropriate, to share that content in real or in near real-time via social media broadcasts (“streams” or “streaming”) while limiting the risks associated with allowing photography, filming and streaming in MGM Resorts’ gaming establishments,“

reads a statement released by MGM Resorts International

The Updated Policies Seek to Find the Right Balance

According to MGM, the changes also enable the company to find the right balance when it comes to guest privacy. Still, before engaging in live streaming or taking videos, guests would need to notify the specific venue’s management team. Then, once they are granted approval, they would be able to engage in such activities.

The changes affecting Table Games allow the players to send texts as long as they do not delay an ongoing game. Guests can talk briefly over their phones in case they are not “playing the round in progress.” Additionally, visitors are allowed to take photos of their hands “for personal reasons.”

Along with the permissions, MGM outlined actions that are forbidden for Table Games players. The guests are not allowed to leave “any object laying on the table for extended periods.” Long talks over the phone as well as taking photos of different gaming equipment are also forbidden per the updated rules. Protecting the privacy of the casino employees, guests are also not allowed to take their pictures or photograph other players. It’s no surprise that playing music, any audio or recording audio (unless when necessary for streaming) is not allowed.

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In July 2022, the Honourable Brian Martin, an officer of the Order of Australia and King’s Counsel, was put in charge of reviewing SkyCity Adelaide’s suitability to preserve its monopoly casino license.  

Now, commissioner Martin has sent a direct notice to SkyAdelaide using Section 10 part of the Gambling Administration Act 2019, asking them to name a qualified independent suitability expert. 

Commissioner Martin’s Review, Put on Hold

The commissioner’s independent review initiated last July under section 22(2) of the Casino Act 1997 was also aimed at determining whether SkyCity should continue its collaboration with SkyCity Adelaide Pty Limited. 

On February 6, the Consumer and Business Services, which is South Australia’s gaming regulator, informed SkyCity Entertainment Group Limited that Martin’s review was put on hold. 

This was due to the pending resolution of the civil penalty proceedings that had been filed by the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Center against the premiere casino located on the banks of the River Torrens in December 2022. 

After closely considering his next action while his review was on hold, commissioner Martin finally sent a notice to SkyAdelaide, urging them to appoint a qualified independent suitability expert. 

The expert would have to receive the approval of the same South Australian Liquor and Gambling Commissioner.

What Will the Independent Expert Do?

The independent expert will be responsible for revising and amending SkyCity Adelaide’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing programs while supervising the implementation of the responsibility enhancement programs. 

The appointed expert will also need to conduct similar procedures related to the minimization of gambling harm and report back to the commissioner to inform him of the latest updates.

According to a statement issued by SkyCity, the decision should offer an “independent perspective” of the casino’s AML and counter-terrorism financing programs while adding an additional layer of assurance.

The Auckland-based group, one of Australasia’s top entertainment and gaming companies, also stated they would keep working with Consumer and Business Services and comply with any additional information and document requests.

At the moment, SkyCity Adelaide represents Adelaide’s 10^th largest employer, injecting approximately $30 million into the state on a yearly basis each with the help of its staff that consists of more than 1,000 members. 

Since it was built almost four decades ago, SkyCity Adelaide has continued to go through essential upgrades to guarantee it remains “the most exciting entertainment venue in Adelaide.”

The publicly-listed SkyCity Entertainment Group currently employs more than 3,400 people in Australia and New Zealand. The group is also the owner and operator of a series of casinos in Queenstown, Hamilton, and Auckland.

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Sports betting is currently a hot topic across the United States. Five years after the repeal of PASPA, betting is available online and retail and more than 30 states offer legal options for the activity. But the statewide spread resulted in fears of integrity for professional sports leagues such as the NFL. Last month, the League suspended five players and started an investigation into gambling violations.

Now, one of the players that was suspended recently, Jameson Williams of the Detroit Lions, spoke about his six-game suspension. As announced by ESPN, Williams said that he wasn’t aware of the NFL’s gambling policy. “Just make the right decisions, it was something I wasn’t aware of and it caught me,” he said. Additionally, the suspended player explained that he isn’t a gambler but a football player.

“I’m not a gambler. I’m a football player.“

Jameson Williams

Williams also explained that the suspension for him and some of his fellow teammates came “out of the blue.” Clearly, Williams was unhappy with the situation. He admitted he “felt it alone” but acknowledged that he is looking forward to returning and playing with the team.

The Young NFL Player Has a Lot of Potential

Dan Campbell, the team’s head coach, spoke about the work with Williams. The coach said that he sees the young player get better. “We’re already miles ahead with him,” pointed out Campbell. Additionally, he explained that Williams has a lot of potential to continue to develop and grow further.

Overall, there were four Detroit Lions suspended last month and the list included Williams, Quintez Cephus, and Stanley Berryhill, all of which are receivers, and safety C.J. Moore. The NFL also suspended Shaka Toney, Washington Commanders’ defensive end.

Earlier this month, the American Gaming Association (AGA) revealed that in 2019, only 63% of American adults supported the US Supreme Court’s decision to strike down PASPA, which paved the way for the expansion of betting. However, judging by the latest data, the AGA said, 85% of American adults favored the US Supreme Court’s decision, while 77% of the adults supported the legalization of betting within the state they live.

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