Bill Belichick, Coach of the New England Patriots, Advises Players on the Risk of Sports Gambling
Legendary NFL coach Bill Belichick, aged 71, is widely recognized as the greatest in the game's history, boasting an impressive record of eight Super Bowl victories, six of which he secured as head coach. His coaching prowess has extended to numerous proteges, and it seems some could learn a valuable lesson from his latest tactics—particularly regarding the risks of sports betting and the consequences of violation.
After numerous instances of NFL players engaging in sports betting and resulting suspensions and fines, Belichick is said to have addressed the issue with his players. New England Patriots defensive lineman Deatrich Wise reported that Bill Belichick discussed sports betting in depth during a recent team meeting in Foxboro. Wise stated that the coach always provides guidance on what to avoid, and the team pays close attention to his teachings.
Recently, the NFL has launched an investigation into Indianapolis Colts cornerback Isaiah Rodgers for allegedly contravening the league's gambling policy. This policy requires referees, players, and team personnel to abstain from betting on NFL games and prohibits them from wagering on all sports while on NFL premises.
Rodgers, who hails from Massachusetts, was a former player for the University of Massachusetts.
Betting Under Legal Age or Restricted Areas
Although legal sports betting has been accessible in Massachusetts since February, commercial casinos like Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield, and Plainridge Park, as well as online platforms, rabid sports fans aged 21 and above can now legally place wagers. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission reports that over $500 million have been wagered on sports monthly since online sportsbooks launched.
However, despite the availability of legal sports betting, NFL players are forbidden from betting on the NFL. They must also refrain from wagering on sports while at an NFL stadium, team practice, or any other team or league-sanctioned event.
The NFL, the most-wagered-on sport in the US, has been gradually warming up to the US gaming and sports betting industries, following previous unsuccessful attempts to oppose state and federal efforts to lift sports betting bans. The NFL has partially conceded to expanded gaming, with legal sports betting contributing to increased fan engagement, higher television ratings, and overall interest in the sport.
In-Stadium Sportsbooks
Most recently, the NFL lifted its ban on sports betting within stadium grounds. In-stadium sportsbooks were approved by the league's owners earlier this year. As of now, only the Washington Commanders offer an in-stadium sportsbook within the ticketed area, while the Arizona Cardinals, New York Giants, and Jets have operational retail sportsbooks on their stadium grounds outside the gates.
Plainridge Park Casino, housing a Barstool Sportsbook and offering slots and sports wagering without live dealer table games, is located less than five miles south of Gillette Stadium, the Patriots' home ground.
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