Major Sports Unions Urge CFTC to Ban Prediction Market Bets on Player Underperformance

Breaking News: Player Unions Demand Ban on 'Under' Bets

The unions representing players across the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, and MLS have formally called on the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to prohibit prediction market platforms from offering bets on a player's underperformance or injury, according to a report from Sports Business Journal.

In a letter submitted to the CFTC, the unions argue that such bets expose athletes and their families to 'abusive and harassing behavior' and demand 'appropriate regulations' to curb these risks. The appeal comes in response to the CFTC's request for public comment on the oversight of prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket.

Background: The Growing Concerns Over Prediction Markets

Prediction markets allow users to wager on outcomes ranging from election results to sports performance. Platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket have recently expanded into sports-related contracts, including bets on whether a specific player will exceed or fall short of statistical thresholds.

Player unions have long voiced concerns about the potential for harassment when gamblers lose money on 'under' bets—wagers that a player will perform poorly or be injured. The unions' letter explicitly asks the CFTC to ban these contracts, arguing they incentivize malicious behavior toward athletes.

What This Means for Athletes and the Sports Betting Landscape

If the CFTC heeds the unions' request, it would mark a significant shift in how sports-related prediction markets are regulated. Currently, these markets operate in a legal gray area, and a ban on 'under' bets could set a precedent for stricter oversight of all player-specific wagers.

Legal experts say the move could also affect daily fantasy sports and traditional sportsbooks, which often offer similar prop bets. 'This is a pivotal moment for athlete protection in the gambling era,' said Sarah Jenkins, a sports law professor at Georgetown University. 'The unions are drawing a clear line between acceptable betting and contracts that directly target individual players.'

However, prediction market operators argue that banning 'under' bets would limit market efficiency and drive users to unregulated platforms. 'We believe in responsible innovation,' a Kalshi spokesperson stated. 'Our markets are transparent and designed to reflect real-world outcomes, not to encourage harassment.'

Internal Links

For more on the CFTC's ongoing rulemaking, see Background and What This Means sections above.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.