Sports bettors in Illinois now face limited betting options after the NFL requested the removal of certain types of bets from the state’s sportsbooks.
Last week, Illinois Gaming Board Administrator Marcus Fruchter announced that the board had temporarily approved the NFL’s request to prohibit specific wagers deemed harmful to game integrity. Fruchter instructed Illinois sportsbooks to suspend betting lines on player injuries, penalties, and officiating assignments, citing concerns over industry integrity.
Bets on Pause
In a letter dated October 4, 2024, NFL Vice President of Public Policy and Government Affairs Jonathan Nabavi urged the Illinois Gaming Board to remove specific bets from its licensed sportsbooks. Alongside injury and penalty bets, the suspended wagers included those on fan safety, player misconduct, first plays of the game, roster decisions, missed field goals, and quarterback first passes—bets where a single player can heavily influence the outcome.
Nabavi called these “objectionable bets,” stating that some, like those involving player injuries or fan misconduct, are “inherently derogatory” and “inflammatory,” not closely tied to gameplay and potentially negative for players and consumers.
Nabavi further noted that these bets pose a significant risk to game integrity and highlighted that other states, including Arizona, Indiana, and Ohio, have similar prohibitions.
“There is no greater priority for the NFL than protecting the integrity of our games and the welfare of our players,” Nabavi stated. “We are committed to ensuring no improper influences affect our games and that everyone involved is protected from unfair allegations related to sports gambling.”
Impact on Illinois’ Sports Betting Market
The suspension of these bets will remain in place until at least December 12, when the Illinois Gaming Board will consider whether to make the pause permanent. Illinois, a major sports betting market, saw nearly $4 billion wagered between January and August 2024.
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