The NFL aims to regulate sports betting to safeguard the integrity of the game

In a letter obtained by CNBC, the NFL outlined examples of event contracts that could be manipulated by a single individual, as well as those deemed inherently objectionable and related to officiating decisions. The league has urged operators to avoid offering such transactions, signaling a clear intent to regulate a market that, until now, has lacked effective oversight.

Regulating Betting and Safeguarding Sports Integrity NFL Executive Vice President Jeff Miller emphasized the need to establish guardrails to protect both the integrity of the sport and consumers participating in these fast‑evolving markets. Unlike other sports leagues such as the NHL, MLB, and MLS, which have embraced prediction platforms as partners, the NFL appears to be taking a more cautious approach, prioritizing regulation over expansion.

The letter, signed by NFL Chief Compliance Officer Sabrina Perel, noted that it is encouraging that the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) recognizes that sports‑related prediction markets should be regulated differently from other futures contracts. Among the examples cited of events susceptible to manipulation are specific in‑game actions, such as the possibility of a kicker missing a field goal or a quarterback failing to complete his first pass.

Additionally, non‑game‑related bets were mentioned, such as broadcast mentions or celebrity appearances at sporting events, which have proven popular—especially during events like the Super Bowl. Kalshi CEO Tarek Mansour pointed out that his platform saw more than $100 million in trading volume on a single question about the first song an artist would perform during the halftime show.

On the other hand, the NFL also expressed concern over “inherently objectionable” bets, including player injuries and stadium safety issues. The league concluded its letter by showing willingness to engage in dialogue about its perspective on sports prediction markets, suggesting openness to collaborate in creating rules that benefit all stakeholders involved.