NFL Calls for More Regulation of Prediction Markets

League says 'objectionable bets' on events like injuries and fan safety should be prohibited

Mar. 30, 2026 at 8:27pm by Ben Kaplan

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented football field, with players and ball broken down into overlapping angular shapes in a vibrant color palette, conceptually representing the complex challenges of regulating rapidly evolving prediction markets.The NFL's push for tighter regulation of prediction markets aims to protect the integrity of the sport and shield fans from potential manipulation.San Francisco Today

The National Football League is urging prediction market platforms to avoid offering event contracts that it deems 'objectionable bets', including those related to injuries, fan safety, or other sensitive topics that could be easily manipulated. The league is pushing the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to implement stronger guardrails to protect the integrity of the game and consumers participating in the rapidly evolving prediction market industry.

Why it matters

Prediction markets have grown in popularity as a way for fans to speculate on the outcomes of sporting events, but the NFL is concerned that certain types of bets could be open to abuse and compromise the integrity of the league. As these markets continue to expand, the NFL is seeking more regulatory oversight to ensure fairness and consumer protection.

The details

In a letter to companies registered with the CFTC that offer NFL-related trades, the league said 'objectionable bets' include event contracts that could be easily manipulated, are inherently objectionable (such as those related to injuries, fan safety or misconduct), relate to officiating, or are knowable in advance. NFL Executive Vice President Jeff Miller stated that 'sports prediction markets are not effectively regulated currently' and the league will continue to engage with the CFTC to establish the necessary 'guardrails to protect both the integrity of the game and consumers'.

  • The NFL sent the letter to prediction market platforms on March 30, 2026.
  • In February 2026, the NFL upheld its ban on prediction market operators purchasing Super Bowl television ads.

The players

NFL

The National Football League, the professional American football league.

Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)

The independent agency of the United States government that regulates the commodity futures and options markets.

Jeff Miller

The Executive Vice President of the NFL.

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What they’re saying

“Sports prediction markets are not effectively regulated currently. We will continue to engage with the CFTC in pursuit of the necessary guardrails to protect both the integrity of the game and consumers participating in these rapidly evolving markets.”

— Jeff Miller, NFL Executive Vice President

What’s next

The CFTC is seeking public comment on whether it should amend or issue new regulations regarding event contracts traded on prediction markets, and has reminded designated contract markets of their current regulatory obligations.

The takeaway

As prediction markets continue to grow, the NFL is pushing for more regulatory oversight to ensure fairness and protect the integrity of the sport. The league is concerned about the potential for manipulation and abuse of certain types of bets, and is working with the CFTC to establish clearer guidelines and safeguards for these rapidly evolving markets.