Report: Indianapolis Colts player under investigation for placing 'hundreds' of bets
Gambling has become a big issue in the NFL, with multiple players being suspended over the past couple of years for betting on sports. Another suspension could be on the way — this time for a player from the Indianapolis Colts — according to a report from Sports Handle.
The website reported Monday afternoon that a Colts player is being investigated for placing “hundreds of wagers.”
Sports Handle did not reveal who the player is but did say that some of the bets placed were on the Colts. The good news is that it appears as though this is an isolated situation, meaning that only one player is being investigated, according to the report.
While the player’s name has not been released, the website did give a hint — stating that he is “not a superstar” but that some fans will recognize the name. The player is still currently on the Colts’ roster, according to the report.
According to Sports Handle, Indiana Gaming Commission Deputy Director Jenny Reske acknowledged that the IGC is looking into a potential violation by a Colts player.
“I can confirm that we have received information pertaining to this matter and we are following developments,” Reske said, according to the website. “The IGC is not the lead agency because it involves violations of league policy. We will, however, continue to review information as it emerges to see if it requires any regulatory action.”
The NFL, NFL Players Association and the Colts did not reply to Sports Handle, the report states.
NFL reportedly investigating more potential gambling policy violations
It may be more than just one additional Colts player who could face a suspension for gambling on sports.
According to ESPN’s David Purdum, the league is now evaluating ways to keep a tighter wrap on gambling violations in wake of more misbehavior from players.
Per Purdum, “In the wake of five players being suspended in April, the NFL is investigating a second wave of potential violations of its gambling policy, multiple sources told ESPN.”
He then added: “The NFL is trying to stay ahead of potential problems with increased monitoring and education, while hoping stiff penalties act as a deterrent.”
Purdum then went on to explain how a 2018 Supreme Court ruling really kick-started this whole explosion in sports gambling throughout the country.
“The uptick in gambling-related issues comes five years after a landmark ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court.” That ruling, according to Purdum, sparked a shift in the NFL’s attitude towards gambling.
“On May 14, 2018, the Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), the federal statute that restricted regulated sports betting to primarily Nevada since 1992. The NFL was a plaintiff in the case and had fought to stop the spread of betting for more than two decades, but it pivoted after losing in the Supreme Court.”