The NFL has officially called for stricter regulations on sports prediction markets, sending a formal letter to platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket. The league is urging these entities to stop offering contracts on what it deems “objectionable bets”—wagers that are easily manipulated or based on insider information.
Guarding the Integrity of the Game
The move comes as prediction markets, which allow users to trade on the outcome of events rather than betting against a “house,” continue to grow in a gray regulatory area. Unlike traditional sportsbooks, these platforms often operate in states where sports betting is not yet legal.
What the NFL Considers “Objectionable”
The league’s letter, obtained by The Athletic, lists several types of contracts that it believes threaten the integrity of professional football:
- Easily Manipulated Actions: A kicker missing a field goal or specific coaching decisions.
- Officiating-Related: Bets based on referee penalties or specific calls.
- Non-Game Events: Celebrity attendance (e.g., Taylor Swift), broadcast mentions, or player injuries.
- Predetermined Info: Live pick-by-pick NFL Draft contracts that might be known in advance by insiders.
Push for Federal Regulation
NFL Executive Vice President Jeff Miller stated that these markets are currently not effectively regulated. The league is working closely with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to establish “necessary guardrails” to protect both consumers and the game.
This corporate push aligns with recent legislative efforts. Senators Adam Schiff and John Curtis recently introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at preventing CFTC-registered entities from listing contracts that mimic sports betting or casino-style games.
In response, both Kalshi and Polymarket have begun implementing technological barriers to block athletes, coaches, and politicians from trading in markets where they might have an unfair advantage.