The Massachusetts Gaming Commission is investigating unusual betting activity connected to former Arizona Cardinals scouting executive Ryan Gold, adding another layer to an NFL gambling case that has already drawn regulatory scrutiny. Gold was previously suspended indefinitely by the NFL for violating the league’s gambling policy after the league determined he shared confidential information related to Arizona’s 2026 NFL Draft plans.
The NFL determined that Ryan Gold provided insider information about Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love to go No. 3 overall, which is where the Cardinals were picking.
Betting activity surrounding the pick drew attention. These odds on Love to go No. 3 were as long as 30-1 in March, but his odds shortened to 2-1 two days before the draft.
This was a market that received heavy volume, as DraftKings reported that Love had attracted more bets and more money to be selected No. 3 than any other player offered.
In addition to the Love selection, the NFL also determined that Gold had wagered on parlays involving NFL and college football games. Gold is appealing his indefinite suspension, with the appeal hearing scheduled for Sept. 23, 2026.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) investigation could determine whether betting activity connected to the Gold case violated state sports wagering laws.
The MGC is investigating because of unusual betting patterns made within the state, related to Gold and the Love selection.
As the state regulatory body, the MGC has access to information that could help determine what happened, since Massachusetts sportsbooks must maintain wagering records that include any records of abnormal betting activity. Operators must make those records available to the commission upon request.
Massachusetts law also requires sportsbooks to use reasonable measures to prevent employees of professional sports teams from betting on events from their league. Operators must immediately report abnormal betting patterns related to this to the MGC.
State law also provides for law enforcement assistance with investigations into abnormal betting activity and other conduct that could compromise sports betting integrity.
If the MGC determines that Gold violated Massachusetts sports wagering law, it can impose a civil penalty of up to $2,000 per violation or $5,000 for violations arising from the same series of events. The law expressly states that these penalties are not limited to licensed operators.
With that in mind, if investigators uncover a violation of Massachusetts sports wagering law, the case could bring consequences separate from Gold’s NFL suspension.
The Gold case also highlights the potential integrity risks surrounding NFL Draft prop betting. Unlike traditional game markets, draft props are driven by information rather than what happens on the field.
Anyone involved with the NFL can have access to insider information about draft plans before sportsbooks and bettors do. If that information is shared, it can give someone a significant advantage in markets such as which player will be selected at a certain pick, a player’s draft position, or which team will draft a specific prospect.
In response to the Gold case, we could see operators offer fewer NFL Draft props to prevent this from happening again.
