The National Football League has asked prediction market platforms including Kalshi and Polymarket to restrict contracts tied to events that could be easily manipulated.
The league raised concerns over bets linked to announcer comments, player transfers, coaching changes and injuries, arguing these outcomes could be influenced or predetermined.
CFTC Chair Michael Selig said the regulator may block such contracts and would defer to leagues when assessing manipulation risks in event-based trading markets.
“When a league raises manipulation concerns about a contract proposed to be listed on a prediction market, the agency considers the league’s concerns and may prohibit the contract from being listed,”
Said CFTC Chair Michael Selig.
The push follows discussions between the NFL and the regulator, with Selig adding that leagues are “very well positioned” to assess integrity risks in their respective sports.
The development comes as the CFTC moves to assert greater oversight of prediction markets, even as state regulators continue legal challenges against platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket.
Lawmakers are also considering new legislation targeting insider trading risks on prediction markets, including proposals to restrict wagering by government officials.