49ers get refresher on NFL gambling rules before Las Vegas visit
SANTA CLARA, Calif. – The 49ers are leaving for a five-night stay in Las Vegas before their preseason opener on Sunday. A gambling tip: Expect them to be aware of the NFL’s increasingly strict sports-betting policy.
Stressing the NFL’s rules is a wise and necessary move, not only because of the allure of “Vegas, baby, Vegas!” but also because of this year’s crackdown on betting violations.
Coach Kyle Shanahan stated that the 49ers have increased their efforts this season to educate their players and staff on the NFL’s gambling regulations.
“We did it in OTAs, at the beginning of training camp, and we’re going to do it again (Tuesday) before we head down there,” he explained.
The easiest rule for the 49ers to follow among all the rules imposed by a league that now includes casinos as sponsors is that players are not permitted inside a sportsbook since the NFL season officially began last week with the Pro Football Hall of Fame game.
The Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans, Detroit Lions, and Washington Commanders were all affected by gambling-related suspensions this offseason. Meanwhile, the Jacksonville Jaguars are reintroducing wide receiver Calvin Ridley into their lineup following his suspension in 2022.
The 49ers have avoided similar incidents and discipline. Although California has not legalized sports gambling, Nevada and Sin City will host the 49ers through Sunday’s preseason opener at Allegiant Stadium.
“That definitely is a very big thing when you’re in Vegas, dealing with the entertainment aspect,” ex-Raiders and current 49ers defensive end Clelin Ferrell said. Some guys enjoy going to concerts and seeing Beyoncé or something similar.
“The most important thing is to understand that you’re obviously there to do a job, and never lose sight of that,” Ferrell added. “It’s a small city, and it’s very easy to get caught up in the limelight.”
In late July, the NFL issued six key gambling rules to the media:
- Do not wager on the NFL.
- Do not gamble at your team’s facility, while on a road trip, or while staying at a team hotel.
- Do not have someone bet on your behalf.
- Avoid disclosing team “inside information.”
- Do not gamble at a sportsbook during the NFL season.
- Do not participate in daily fantasy football.
The 49ers will not stay on the famous Las Vegas Strip, but rather 10 miles south and closer to the Raiders’ facility in Henderson, where they will participate in joint practices Thursday and Friday.
Wednesday is a day off for the players, and it’s worth noting that non-sports gambling is permitted. They cannot do so at the team hotel or other team-related locations, as stated above (No. 2 rule).
Curfews are expected to be in effect from Wednesday until their return to the Bay Area on Sunday night. They’ll have a walk-through practice on Saturday before heading to Allegiant Stadium, a block or two off the Strip, for their preseason opener on Sunday at 1 p.m.
Since 2020, the Raiders’ home field will also host Super Bowl LVIII on February 11.
“Clearly, what we’re playing for and why we came together is a much bigger goal.” “We’re mostly concerned about being in Vegas in February,” Ferrell explained. “That is the most important goal. When Vegas comes around in February, that’s when I want to go down there and gamble and party.
“This is a work trip.”
Another example of how sports betting can distract players is the recent scandal that rocked the college football programs of Iowa State and Iowa. Seven players have been charged with gambling-related offenses, including Iowa State quarterback Hunter Dekkers, who previously served as the backup to current 49ers starter Brock Purdy.
Purdy responded to the gambling scandal last Friday, saying, “That’s kind of sad to hear.” I used to play with a lot of those guys. Feel sorry for them. And, at the end of the day, they’ll do what they have to do, and the program as a whole, hopefully, will move forward and be fine. Coach (Matt) Campbell does an excellent job of leading those guys through adversity, and they have a great culture there, so they’ll be fine.”
