NFL demands stronger CFTC safeguards on prediction market
The National Football League (NFL) has urged the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to reinforce its proposed regulations on prediction markets. It warns the present proposals do not properly safeguard sporting integrity and consumer trust.
In a letter to the Commission, Brendon Plack, NFL Senior Vice President of Public Policy & Government Affairs, acknowledged that some of the league’s earlier recommendations were incorporated. “While the Proposed Prediction Market Rulemaking contains several productive proposals, it must be strengthened in key areas,” Plack wrote.
He also pointed out that the draft “falls significantly short of protecting the integrity of sporting events and the fans who participate in these markets.” Moreover, he noted that several common‑sense safeguards outlined in prior league comments were not adopted.
Age restrictions, advertising limits, insider trading guardrails, a ban on margin trading, and refined definitions are some of the key requests sent out by the NFL. It has also asked the CFTC to better explain the difference between legitimate derivatives and contracts that resemble gambling.
CFTC’s proposed amendments
The CFTC unveiled its proposed amendments on 12 June, introducing its first‑ever definition of “gaming” and opening a 45‑day public commentary period. The Commission defined gaming as “any activity that one or more participants typically engage in for purposes of recreation or to entertain others, is governed by rules and includes measurable occurrences or outcomes that depend on the participants’ luck, skill or athletic ability during the activity.”
Across several industries, the proposals brought sharp reactions across several industries. For one, prediction market platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket welcome federal oversight. But many states and tribal governments caution of illegal gambling risks and the weakening of local authority.
Still, opponents argue that federal preemption could undermine state‑level control over gaming laws, according to Reuters. During the discussion, the CFTC requested feedback on issues ranging from insider information and margin trading to blockchain-based markets and public-interest bans.
NFL now has confirmed the indefinite suspension of Cardinals personnel executive Ryan Gold for violating the league’s gambling policy.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 17, 2026
NFL statement: "The NFL confirmed today that Ryan Gold, Director of College Scouting for the Arizona Cardinals, has been suspended indefinitely…
NFL’s integrity concerns
The league has been the most outspoken in pushing for stronger safeguards due to the heightened risks related to contracts involving injuries, officiating decisions, or unsportsmanlike behaviour. The Commission itself flagged these categories as particularly vulnerable to manipulation.
Moreover, other leagues are expected to mirror these concerns about insider information and consumer protection, especially in light of recent gambling violations by league officials. The World Lottery Association (WLA) and United Lotteries for Integrity in Sports (ULIS) have also called for multi‑jurisdictional monitoring systems and mandatory suspicious transaction reporting to curb corruption risks.
The NFL’s standpoint comes between its own enforcement actions. On 17 July, the league indefinitely suspended Ryan Gold, Director of College of the Arizona Cardinals. He violated gambling policies. Investigators allege that Gold distributed inside information related to the 2026 NFL Draft and placed wagers on Arizona’s draft selections before they were disclosed alongside parlay bets on NFL and collegiate games.
The Gold case exemplifies the league’s warning regarding prediction markets. It has shed light on the collision between sports and integrity breaches, resulting in weakened public confidence if left under-regulated.
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