A recent survey of residents of states where sports betting is legal found that 39% believe professional athletes should be able to wager on games in their own sports; as long as they or their teams are not directly involved.
The survey was conducted by Covers, a sports betting information hub. It polled 1,500 people in states where sports betting is legal, asking respondents for their thoughts on a variety of industry-related issues, particularly as it relates to professional athletes and sports betting.
While more than a third of respondents had no problem with US professional athletes betting on games in their own sports – again, as long as they weren’t directly involved – 62% opposed such a move.
However, three-fourths of respondents – 75% – said they thought US professional athletes should be allowed to bet on other sports, outside of the ones in which they compete.
Eighty-one percent of respondents said they approved of legal and regulated sports betting.
The survey results come as the National Football League announced this week that three players – cornerback Isiah Rodgers and defensive end Rashod Berry of the Indianapolis Colts and free agent defensive end Demetrius Taylor – have been suspended from the league indefinitely for betting on NFL games last season.
They will be suspended at least for the entire 2023 season.
Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere also was suspended six games in the 2023 season for betting on other sports at the workplace.
The Colts subsequently waived Rodgers and Berry as punishment for their suspensions.
Colts General Manager Chris Ballard said, “The integrity of the game is of the utmost importance. As an organization we will continue to educate our players, coaches, and staff on the policies in place and the significant consequences that may occur with violations.”
Rodgers said on social media this month that he takes “full responsibility” for what he did.
