NFL officially flags prediction markets as sports betting
The NFL has provided a warning over prediction markets, saying that they mimic traditional sports betting and are therefore prohibited for players and league personnel.
During a media call, league officials raised concerns regarding sports prediction markets such as Kalshi, Polymarket, and Robinhood not facing the same regulatory requirements as sportsbooks.
NFL Vice President of Sports Betting David Highill said that “for now” prediction markets lack certain important regulatory requirements, such as information sharing with leagues, integrity monitoring and prohibitions on certain types of markets that could be subject to influence.
Prediction market platforms allow users to trade money on outcomes, including game winners, point spreads, total scores, and player performance. Kalshi recently expanded its offerings to include contracts resembling prop bets.
Kalshi has argued in court cases in Nevada, New Jersey, and Maryland that its exchange is distinct from sportsbooks because users wager against each other rather than a house.
The NFL’s Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer Sabrina Perel said, “On the policy side, our view is that these platforms mimic sports betting, and they are covered as prohibited conduct under our policy.”
She added that the league is “actively educating” its personnel on the prohibition.
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Charlotte Capewell brings her passion for storytelling and expertise in writing, researching, and the gambling industry to every article she writes. Her specialties include the US gambling industry, regulator legislation, igaming, and more.
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