The investigation into potential insider information provided by a former NFL executive regarding team activities is expanding in scope, as state gaming regulators in Arizona and Massachusetts are now looking into the allegations.
The NFL suspended Ryan Gold, a former Arizona Cardinals executive with 13 years of experience in the front office, indefinitely in July for allegedly violating the league’s gambling policy.
Claims have emerged that Gold provided advance information to a sports bettor before the April 2026 NFL Draft that the team would pick Jeremiyah Love from Notre Dame as the third overall selection. The controversy also involves allegations of Gold placing parlay bets on NFL and college football games.
In response, the Arizona Department of Gaming initiated an investigation into whether Gold breached the state’s sports betting regulations. The investigation has now extended to Massachusetts, where state gaming regulators have identified suspicious betting patterns involving the Cardinals.
Gold, who is originally from Massachusetts and won two state football championships before attending the University of Massachusetts, has denied the accusations of sports betting.
Both Arizona and Massachusetts have both in-person and online sports betting options available.
Violation of Policies
The NFL’s gambling policy prohibits all players, coaches, team personnel, referees, and individuals directly linked to a game from betting on the NFL. The restrictions are even stricter for non-player staff like front-office executives and scouts, who are not allowed to engage in any sports betting activities. Players, however, are permitted to bet on non-NFL sports during non-team hours.
Gold refutes the allegations of sports betting against him.
There is absolutely zero substance to the claims made against Ryan Gold,” said Gold’s lawyer, Mike Caspino, in a statement to ESPN. “The NFL’s investigation is flawed and incorrect. He will be proven innocent in our upcoming appeal.
By the time of the NFL Draft in April, Love was widely predicted to be chosen third by Arizona, with sportsbooks indicating odds of 2/1 for him to join the Cardinals.
Regarding the parlay bets, Caspino asserts that Gold’s wife, Jennifer, made $10 wagers as part of a weekly betting group with friends.
Potential Consequences
The NFL’s gambling policy specifies that any individual caught sharing insider information to assist in placing bets faces an indefinite suspension of at least one year.
Confidential information comprises details not publicly available, including internal insights about potential picks in the NFL Draft.