NFL Asks Sports Prediction Leaders to Scale Back Markets

The NFL has been wary of embracing the sports prediction industry, but that may be changing.

The league sent a letter to industry leaders Kalshi and Polymarket, requesting they pull certain markets from their prediction platforms. According to the letter, the league identifies markets it believes are vulnerable to manipulation or insider trading. Officiating decisions and injuries were among the markets highlighted.

The letter follows the MLB’s announcement that it was making Polymarket its official prediction market partner. The deal will allow the league to help determine which markets are available. It will also work with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to help protect the integrity of MLB.

While the letter doesn’t include any promises of partnership, it opens an opportunity for the two operators. If they can prove their willingness to change and work with the league, it would help ease many of the NFL’s concerns.

In addition to working directly with operators, the NFL has also been in talks with the CFTC. However, the two sides have not reported much progress.

No Clarity on Player Props

While the NFL’s letter is a sign of improving relations with the prediction industry, another story is being overlooked. 

The NFL gave details on certain markets it wants pulled, but refused to take a clear stance on player props. Instead, it simply refers to markets that a single person can manipulate. This is the same language that CFTC Chairman Michael Selig recently used while discussing industry regulations.

The lack of clarity continues a trend of leagues and operators refusing to take a firm stance against player props. The bet type is most commonly used in betting schemes that have been plaguing pro and college sports and have been linked to problem gambling. However, it also generated significant revenue for sportsbooks and prediction platforms.

Using vague language like that used by Selig and the NFL essentially leaves interpretation up to operators. However, it also allows regulators and leagues to blame them when prop betting markets are manipulated.

Leagues continue to worry about player props, but it seems they are not yet ready to flatly ask for their ban.