NFL Reasserts Limits on Prop Bets, Flags Prediction Markets

The NFL moved to reinforce its restrictions on certain sports betting practices, issuing a memo to club officials on Thursday that reiterated the league's opposition to specific prop wagers and clarified its position on emerging prediction market platforms. 

The communication followed heightened attention on integrity risks after recent federal indictments involving MLB and NBA players.

"In recent weeks, federal law enforcement has brought serious criminal charges alleging illegal behavior in the context of so-called 'prop' bets - wagers largely or entirely dependent on the actions of a single player. From the earliest days of legal sports betting, we have recognized the particular risks associated with prop bets and the corrosive effect they have on fan perceptions, league reputation, and the safety of players, club staff, and game officials," reads the statement.

The memo stated that the league had worked with lawmakers, regulators, and the best sports betting site operators to curb or eliminate problematic prop bets. These included wagers tied to player injuries, fan disruptions, officiating decisions, or outcomes that could be settled by a single participant on a single play. 

Bets based on predetermined events were also listed among the prohibited categories. These wager types are sometimes available at the best sports betting apps, and the league does not expect operators to adjust current offerings.

The NFL has faced limited betting-related discipline in recent seasons, though several players have been suspended for violating gambling policies. Its renewed emphasis on prop-bet restrictions came as MLB pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, as well as NBA player Terry Rozier, were charged in unrelated federal cases involving alleged manipulation of game outcomes for bettors. 

League clarifies ban on prediction markets

The league expanded further on those measures in a separate briefing, where senior officials underscored that NFL players and employees are barred from using the best prediction market platforms that operate like sports betting. Sabrina Perel, NFL Chief Compliance Officer, said the policy applies to all personnel and specifically includes sites that allow users to trade on sports outcomes.

Perel noted that while players may wager on non-NFL events through regulated sportsbooks, including those offering the best sportsbook promos, prediction markets are considered prohibited conduct. League employees remain barred from all forms of betting. 

The NFL's concern stems from the fact that prediction market operators are overseen by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission rather than state gambling regulators, which the league believes limits transparency and consistent consumer protections.

David Highhill, NFL VP of Sports Betting, said the absence of state-level safeguards, including data-sharing protocols, responsible gambling mechanisms, and restrictions on sensitive prop bets, creates additional integrity risks. He added that improperly regulated markets could be vulnerable to manipulation or artificial price movements.

Kalshi responded by emphasizing the scope of federal oversight it receives and said it employs additional compliance measures, including deposit limits, self-exclusion tools, and external monitoring partners. The company stated it remains willing to cooperate with the NFL and other leagues to address outstanding concerns.