NFL betting suspensions: 49ers taking extra precautions

The 49ers are trying hard to avoid becoming the next team to lose players to gambling-related suspensions.

As gambling has become legal and more prevalent in the United States, NFL teams have started running up against violations of the league’s strict gambling regulations for players.

Then-Falcons receiver Calvin Ridley was suspended for the entire 2022 season for violating the NFL’s gambling rules. The Lions, Commanders, Colts, Titans and Broncos have all had at least one player suspended this offseason.

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan on Monday said his club is taking extra precautions to ensure players aren’t violating league rules.

“Definitely more than we have in the past,” Shanahan said. “I know we did it in OTAs, we did at the beginning of training camp and then we’re going to do it again tomorrow before we head down (to Las Vegas).”

There are obvious rules for NFL players against betting on NFL games. There are also, among other restrictions, rules against placing bets from a team facility, plane or hotel.

The 49ers are in a semi-advantageous position since sports betting isn’t legal in the state of California. However, given team travel and the technology available that still allows people to place wagers from the state, it’s still a good idea for the team to ensure its players are crystal clear on what the NFL’s rules are.