NHL Commissioner cites “Control” as Driver for Prediction Market Deals

The NHL stands as the first major U.S. sports organization to formally partner with this sector. While the deal offers commercial opportunities, Bettman emphasized that the primary motivation is oversight. He argues that bringing these markets inside the league’s perimeter offers better security than ignoring them.

The Power to Cancel Contracts

Bettman outlined two main benefits during his interview. First, the partnership ensures that fans trading on these platforms use accurate, verified data.

Second, and more critical to the league’s strategy, is the authority to manage the product. The agreements grant the NHL the specific ability to remove any contract it deems inappropriate.

This level of direct intervention is rarely available with traditional sportsbooks, which set their own lines and markets independently.

The Commissioner described this arrangement as a protective measure. By aligning with these entities, the league can observe trading activity closely.

Bettman noted that this visibility allows the NHL to see exactly what is happening in real-time. A spokesperson for Kalshi confirmed this collaborative approach.

The representative stated that the partnership allows the exchange to address league concerns regarding specific contracts before they go live, rather than reacting after problems arise.

Monitoring Integrity Amidst Industry Scandals

The NHL’s move comes during a period of heightened scrutiny for sports integrity. Recent gambling scandals have affected the NBA and MLB, involving allegations of prop-bet manipulation and insider information.

Bettman expressed confidence that hockey is not as susceptible to these schemes as other sports might be. However, he stressed that the league remains vigilant. Security teams monitor every second of every game alongside betting and prediction lines to detect irregularities.

Under the multi-year deals, Kalshi and Polymarket gain the title of “official prediction market partner.” They receive access to the NHL’s proprietary data and the right to use official league marks and logos.

This branding will appear during regular season games and high-profile events like the Winter Classic. Bettman suggested that over time, the distinction between prediction markets and traditional sports betting will likely blur.

He predicted the two sectors will eventually “morph” together into a single ecosystem.

Legal Friction and League Divergence

The NHL’s embrace of prediction markets contrasts sharply with the stance of other major leagues. The NFL explicitly bans personnel from trading on these platforms, viewing them as indistinguishable from sports betting.

The NBA and MLB have also urged regulators to treat these contracts with the same strictness applied to gambling operators. The American Gaming Association (AGA) openly criticized the move, citing the current regulatory ambiguity surrounding these exchanges.

This corporate strategy unfolds against a backdrop of federal litigation. Kalshi is currently challenging a ruling by U.S. District Judge Andrew Gordon in Nevada.

The judge recently blocked the company from offering sports contracts in the state, rejecting the argument that the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) holds exclusive jurisdiction over such wagers.

Judge Gordon ruled that bypassing state gaming regulators would upset decades of established federalism. Despite this legal uncertainty, the NHL has chosen to proceed with its controlled experiment in this emerging market.