Illinois Bans Certain NFL Props Bets

The Illinois Gaming Board has introduced restrictions on certain types of NFL bets following a request by the league.

In its request, the National Football League (NFL) cited concerns over potential manipulation of in-game events by a single player. NFL Vice President of Public Policy and Government Affairs, Jonathan Nabavi, requested the ban, noting that several other states—such as Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio—have already implemented similar restrictions.

Banned Bets

According to the Chicago Tribune, the Illinois Gaming Board responded to the NFL’s appeal by banning certain bets including:

• outcome of the first play
• replay decisions
• missed field goals or extra points
• success of a quarterback’s initial pass
• bets related to fan safety
• bets on player misconduct
• wagers on penalties
• bets on officiating assignments
• wagers on personnel decisions

This new rule aims to eliminate wagers that could be “100% determinable by one person in one play.”

Gaming Board Administrator Marcus Fruchter explained:

“pre-determined choices and actions controlled by individual players, coaches, or league officials are vulnerable to abuse and manipulation.”

Illinois sports books have been cautioned that their licenses may be revoked if they disregard these new restrictions.

NFL Players Banned for Betting Breaches

The NFL has enforced gambling suspensions since 1963. In 2023 alone, the league suspended 10 players for gambling-related infractions, such as betting on NFL games or placing wagers on league property.

1963

• Green Bay HB Paul Hornung: Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986; suspended for the season for betting on league games.
• Detroit DT Alex Karras: 2020 Hall of Fame inductee; suspended for the season for betting on league games.

1983

• Baltimore QB Art Schlichter: Suspended for the season after betting on at least 10 NFL games as a rookie; briefly returned in 1984 but ended his career soon after.

2019

• Arizona CB Josh Shaw: Suspended on Nov. 29 for betting on an NFL game while on injured reserve; has not returned to the league since.

2022

• Atlanta WR Calvin Ridley: Suspended for the entire season for betting on NFL games in 2021 while on a leave for mental health; reinstated in March 2023 and now plays for Jacksonville.
• Jets WR Coach Miles Austin: Suspended for a year for betting on non-NFL sports; not retained by the Jets upon his reinstatement.

2023

• Detroit WR Quintez Cephus: Suspended indefinitely for betting on NFL games in 2022 – released by Detroit
• Detroit S C.J. Moore: Suspended indefinitely for betting on NFL games in 2022 – released by Detroit
• Washington DE Shaka Toney: Suspended indefinitely for betting on NFL games in 2022
• Detroit WR Jameson Williams: Suspended for six games
• Detroit WR Stanley Berryhill: Suspended for six games each – Detroit later released Berryhill.
• Indianapolis CB Isaiah Rodgers Sr.: Suspended indefinitely for gambling on NFL games – released
• Indianapolis DE Rashod Berry: Suspended indefinitely for gambling on NFL games – released
• Indianapolis DT Demetrius Taylor: Suspended indefinitely for gambling on NFL games – released
• Tennessee RT Nicholas Petit-Frere: Suspended six games for betting on non-NFL games at an NFL facility
• Denver DE Eyioma Uwazurike: Suspended indefinitely for betting on NFL games during his rookie season in 2022

Jenny Tang

An experienced iGaming commentator and analyst based in New York City – Jenny reports on regulation and gambling industry news and events.