Massachusetts Gaming Commission opens second probe into Cardinals scout Ryan Gold
The inquiry into unusual betting patterns follows an existing investigation by Arizona authorities, as Gold appeals his indefinite NFL suspension.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has initiated a second regulatory investigation into the alleged betting activity of former Arizona Cardinals scout Ryan Gold. A commission spokesman confirmed that the body is examining unusual betting patterns made within the state. This development adds a new jurisdictional layer to the ongoing scrutiny of Gold, who remains indefinitely suspended by the National Football League.
The Massachusetts inquiry follows an initial investigation opened by the Arizona Department of Gaming in July. Both regulatory probes remain active, with neither authority providing a set end date for their respective proceedings. The parallel investigations highlight the complex governance challenges surrounding player betting rights and the use of confidential information within the league.
Gold was suspended in mid-July, shortly before the Cardinals reported for training camp, for violating the league’s gambling policy. The NFL determined that the 13-year front office veteran provided confidential, non-public inside information regarding Arizona’s 2026 draft selections before the picks were officially announced. The league also found that Gold had placed parlay bets on NFL and college games, though it did not specify who received the inside information.
In response, Gold’s attorney, Mike Caspino, has filed an appeal with a hearing scheduled for 23 September. Caspino described the NFL’s investigation as deeply flawed, asserting that the parlays in question were $10 weekly bets placed by Gold’s wife, Jennifer, with a group of high school friends. “There is absolutely zero substance to the claims made against Ryan Gold,” Caspino stated, adding that Gold will be vindicated in the upcoming appeal.
The controversy centres on the selection of former Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, who was drafted third overall in April. Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort stated that the decision to select Love was made at the start of draft week. Betting markets reflected the uncertainty, with BetMGM opening Love at 30-1 to go No. 3 in March, before the odds shifted to 2-1 two days ahead of the draft. DraftKings reported that more money had been wagered on Love to be selected third than on any other player.
Gold’s connection to Massachusetts extends beyond the current betting patterns. He grew up in Westwood, where he won back-to-back state championships in football, and attended the University of Massachusetts for both his undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Gold subsequently coached at UMass from 2011 to 2013, a tenure that may inform the state commission’s interest in his betting history.
