NFL Working with Betting Partners to Curtail Prop Bets; Will Anything Change?

• The NFL dispatched a memo on Thursday to ensure teams know the betting rules.
• They are specifically targeting prop bets, which have come under intense scrutiny in light of recent gambling scandals.
• While you might not be allowed to bet on these prop bets at most regulated sportsbooks soon, you can still find them at offshore bookies.

The NFL conveyed a memo to teams reiterating its posture on sports betting, and in particular, prop bets. This is in response to numerous gambling scandals in other sports.

While the NFL is looking to limit or get rid of prop bets at regulated sportsbooks, they’ll still be available at offshore bookies.

NFL Has Four Categories for “Prohibited Wagers”

The league sent a memo to all 32 teams on Thursday.

The NFL has defined what they call “prohibited wagers” by four categories:

• Inherently Objectionable (player injuries, fan safety)
• Officiating-Related (anything having to do with refereeing)
• Determinable by One Person in One Play (QB throws an incomplete pass on first attempt)
• Pre-determined (Will Player X start this week?)

This is in response to several gambling issues in sports recently. The NBA gambling scandal was the first major incident. However, there have been scandals brewing in the UFC, college basketball, soccer, and Major League Baseball.

Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz of the Cleveland Guardians just pled not guilty on charges stemming from pitch rigging. For example, it is alleged that Clase would throw pitches out of the strike zone on purpose to fulfill a bet that Clase would do so.

These prop bets are what the NFL is looking to limit, or get rid of altogether. The NFL also recognizes Kalshi and Polymarket, two prediction markets, to be under the umbrella of “prohibited gambling activity”.  

Will You Still Be Able to Wager on Prop Bets?

While regulated sportsbooks have largely stayed away from some types of prop bets, you can still find these wagers at offshore sportsbooks. The NFL claims that it is working with the US government, as well as the regulated sportsbooks they are partnered with.

It will be interesting to see how the NFL navigates this situation, considering the partnerships they have with the regulated bookies. This memo was sent just to reaffirm the league’s stance on prop bets, but it doesn’t look like anything actionable is happening as of November 14.