- NFL expands leaguewide betting policy to ban prediction market use
- League says platforms like Kalshi, Polymarket “mimic sports betting”
- NCAA warns unregulated markets pose risks to competition integrity
As the 2025 football season kicks off this weekend, both the NFL and NCAA are voicing sharp concerns about the rise of prediction markets.
On Monday, the NFL confirmed that all league personnel — including players — are prohibited from using platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket to trade sports derivatives contracts. The league previously told the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) that such operators aren’t regulated to the same standard as licensed sportsbooks.
“These platforms mimic sports betting, and they fall under our prohibited activities,” said Sabrina Perel, NFL vice president and chief compliance officer. She added that the league is stepping up education efforts, bringing in former players for mandatory sessions on sports wagering risks.
The move comes just a week after Kalshi filed with the CFTC to offer football contracts on spreads, totals, and player props — expanding beyond its prior yes/no event contracts. NFL officials cautioned that such markets could invite manipulation, particularly on bets tied to injuries, officiating decisions, or player-controlled outcomes.
The press conference also followed Robinhood’s announcement that it will list event contracts for all NFL and Power 4 college football games this year, deepening its partnership with Kalshi and encroaching further into sportsbook territory.
The NCAA, too, has taken notice. In an August 22 statement, NCAA executive Tim Buckley said the association is “deeply concerned” about the lack of oversight compared to traditional sportsbooks, warning that unregulated platforms could endanger competition integrity and student-athlete safety.
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