NFL prediction markets gambling legal dispute 2026
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NFL calls prediction markets a form of sports gambling, urges state regulation
A CFTC source said that several senior NFL staff members notified senior CFTC staff that they were on the verge of commercial partnerships with several prediction market operators.
The NFL said the CFTC failed to reference objectionable contracts that the NFL identified months ago, including contracts listed by Kalshi.
The NFL's filing comes as New Jersey challenges a federal appeals court ruling that favored Kalshi's position that federal commodities law overrides state gambling regulations.
“For years, ever since sports betting on prediction markets started to gain traction, the NFL has been closely engaged in the relevant policy discussions. This is about protecting game integrity and consumers—just like legalized sports betting. There have already been billions of dollars in NFL wagers on prediction markets this season. Given this volume of trading and the uncertainty around it, it is critical for the Court to act as soon as possible. But it is unclear if the Commission has the resources or staff to adequately regulate sports betting.”
NFL tells Supreme Court prediction markets are gambling
The NFL's brief argues that regulating gambling is among states' sovereign police powers.
The NFL wants a minimum age of 21 for prediction market bettors.
Federal appeals courts have issued split decisions over whether states can enforce their gambling laws and supersede the CFTC.