The NFL has placed an indefinite suspension on a member of the Arizona Cardinals' front office after discovering a breach of its sports betting regulations.
Ryan Gold, the team’s director of college scouting, allegedly provided confidential information regarding draft picks ahead of their public announcement during the April draft. Furthermore, Gold reportedly engaged in parlay bets involving both NFL and college football.
The league's gambling policy strictly prohibits all NFL personnel from betting on any league-related activities. Additionally, all employees, with the exception of players, are barred from wagering on any other professional, collegiate, international, or amateur sports.
In a statement, the league emphasized, “While there is no indication that the integrity of any NFL game was compromised, we treat any infringement of our gambling policy with the highest level of seriousness.”
Sports betting is permitted in 40 states and the District of Columbia, with around 30 states allowing bets on the draft. However, certain states impose restrictions on the types of bets available or require that wagers be placed before the draft commences.
Arizona, which legalized sports betting five years ago, permits its licensed sportsbooks and online betting operators to offer markets on the NFL Draft. However, the state mandates that all wagers must be placed before the onset of the “earliest affected round.”
Federally regulated prediction exchanges provide sports markets, including the NFL draft, nationwide, albeit with some exceptions. Several states, including Arizona, have initiated legal proceedings against these exchange operators for violating state gambling regulations.
The Cardinals have expressed their support for the NFL's ruling. In their statement, the team noted, “The NFL’s policies and expectations for all employees are clear, comprehensive, and consistently communicated. We fully support the league’s decision in this matter, which concerns a single employee. Our focus remains on preparing for the upcoming training camp and the 2026 season.”
Gold may appeal his suspension. He is not the first non-player to face disciplinary action for violating gambling rules; in December 2022, the NFL suspended Miles Austin, a receivers coach for the New York Jets, for betting on other sports and participating in online casino games while on team premises.
Another gambling-related issue may arise next year, as Brendan Sorsby, recently declared permanently ineligible by the NCAA for wagering on sports and betting on his team while a redshirt player for Indiana in 2022, is eligible for the next NFL Draft. Although he applied for a supplemental draft, the league denied his request. If an NFL team drafts or signs Sorsby, he could face disciplinary action, similar to the five-game suspension given to Terrelle Pryor in 2011 for violating NCAA rules.