The NFL has taken an increasingly strict stance on sports betting in recent years, with multiple players facing suspensions for violating the league’s gambling policy. Since legal sports betting expanded across the United States, the league has strengthened its rules to protect the integrity of the game.
So, how many NFL players have been suspended for gambling?
As of 2026, 10 NFL players have been suspended for gambling-related violations since 2022, with several other notable suspensions occurring earlier in NFL history.
NFL Players Suspended for Gambling Since 2022
The majority of recent gambling suspensions came during the 2023 offseason, when the NFL investigated players for placing bets that violated league policies.
Here is a complete list of players suspended since 2022:
- Calvin Ridley (2022)
- Jameson Williams (2023)
- Stanley Berryhill (2023)
- Quintez Cephus (2023)
- C.J. Moore (2023)
- Shaka Toney (2023)
- Isaiah Rodgers (2023)
- Rashod Berry (2023)
- Demetrius Taylor (2023)
- Nicholas Petit-Frere (2023)
- Eyioma Uwazurike (2023)
Several players who received indefinite suspensions were later reinstated after serving at least one year and meeting the league’s reinstatement requirements.
Why Were NFL Players Suspended?
Not every gambling suspension involved betting on NFL games.
The NFL separates violations into different categories:
- Betting on NFL games is considered the most serious offense and carries a minimum one-year suspension. Betting on games involving your own team can result in a lifetime ban.
- Betting while inside an NFL facility or while traveling with a team is also prohibited, even if the wagers involve other sports.
- Players, coaches, and league personnel are prohibited from sharing inside information for gambling purposes.
NFL Gambling Suspensions by Year
| Year | Number of Players Suspended | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | Betting on NFL games |
| 2023 | 10 | Betting on NFL games or gambling from NFL facilities |
| 2024 | 0 | No new player suspensions announced |
| 2025 | 0 | No new player suspensions announced |
| 2026 | 0 | No new player suspensions announced (through June) |
Historical NFL Gambling Suspensions
While recent suspensions have received significant attention, gambling violations are not new to the NFL.
Some of the league’s most notable historical suspensions include:
- Paul Hornung (1963)
- Alex Karras (1963)
- Art Schlichter (1983)
- Josh Shaw (2019)
These cases demonstrate that the NFL has long enforced strict policies regarding gambling, although enforcement has become more visible in the era of legalized sports betting.
NFL Gambling Policy
The NFL’s gambling policy is designed to protect the integrity of the league. Players are prohibited from:
- Betting on NFL games.
- Betting while at team facilities or while traveling for team business.
- Sharing confidential information that could influence betting markets.
- Using another person’s account to place bets on their behalf.
Following the 2023 investigations, the NFL also expanded education programs to help players understand the league’s gambling rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many NFL players have been suspended for gambling?
Since 2022, 10 NFL players have been suspended for violating the NFL’s gambling policy, with additional gambling suspensions occurring throughout league history.
Who was the first recent NFL player suspended for gambling?
Calvin Ridley became the first high-profile player suspended under the league’s current gambling enforcement efforts when he was suspended for the entire 2022 season after betting on NFL games.
Can NFL players bet on other sports?
Yes, but they cannot place bets while at NFL facilities, traveling for team business, or using league devices. They are also prohibited from betting on NFL games under any circumstances.
Has the NFL changed its gambling policy?
Yes. The NFL updated its gambling policy after the 2023 suspensions, increasing education efforts and adjusting penalties. Betting on NFL games remains one of the league’s most serious violations and can result in lengthy or permanent suspensions.
Bottom Line
The NFL continues to aggressively enforce its gambling policy as legalized sports betting expands across North America. While only a handful of players have violated the rules, the league has made it clear that protecting the integrity of its games remains a top priority. Since 2022, 10 players have been suspended for gambling-related violations, and the NFL continues to educate players while maintaining strict penalties for future offenses.