NFL requests support from feds in combating illegal gambling
League stresses critical importance of maintaining integrity of the game in response to congresswoman
The NFL has underscored the singular importance of protecting the integrity of its sport as part of a response to a congresswoman’s recent inquiries into the gambling policies of major American sports leagues.
US Representative Dina Titus, a Nevada Democrat who serves as co-chair of the bipartisan gaming caucus, sent letters to the heads of 12 sports leagues – including NFL commissioner Roger Goodell – in June, requesting clarification about their respective gambling policies and integrity-driven initiatives in the legalized landscape.
In a response letter dated August 4 and obtained by multiple media outlets, the NFL outlined its own policy – which includes a blanket prohibition on players and employees engaging in any gambling in league facilities – and highlighted its partnerships with integrity-monitoring services.
The letter, written by NFL vice-president of public policy and government affairs Jonathan Nabavi, also formally requested federal support in the continued struggle against illegal gambling.
“Congress and the federal government have a unique role to play in bringing enforcement actions against illegal operators,” Nabavi wrote. “[The NFL is] working to highlight the importance of federal engagement in this area.
“We believe that additional attention and resources are needed from lawmakers and law-enforcement to address the illicit sports betting market, which still has the power of incumbency.”
Nabavi also made a point to amplify the NFL’s integrity efforts amid the backdrop of the league issuing 10 suspensions this year as a result of violations of the league’s gambling policy.
“There is no higher principle at the NFL than safeguarding the integrity of the game,” Nabavi wrote. “Our efforts to uphold game integrity have been ongoing throughout the history of the league and our commitment has not wavered since the Supreme Court’s decision.”
Titus, for her part, believes more should be done, asserting in an August 4 statement that Nabavi’s response didn’t directly answer some of her questions – specifically vis-à-vis the number of active investigations into illegal betting the NFL is pursuing – and sidestepped others.
“[They] instead pivoted to illegal sports betting generally in their response,” Titus said in the statement. “It makes one wonder what they are trying to hide.”
Thirty-four states, as well as Washington DC and Puerto Rico, currently offer some form of legalized sports betting.