NHL Commissioner Says Prediction-Market Partnerships Give League ‘Control’

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman explained the league’s partnership with prediction markets, stating that the deals with Kalshi and Polymarket provide the NHL with more oversight, not increased risk. The comments arrive as gambling scandals are dominating headlines across other major sports.

Bettman discussed the topic during an interview on CNBC’s “Squawk Box.” He responded to questions about prediction markets and traditional sportsbooks. He also talked about the string of integrity incidents unfolding in the NBA and MLB.

The NHL became the first major U.S. sports organization to enter a formal partnership with prediction market platforms. The deal has drawn significant attention across the gaming industry.

Partnerships Give Fans ‘Real Data’ & NHL ‘Control’

Bettman was asked why the NHL aligned with Kalshi and Polymarket instead of relying on traditional sportsbooks like DraftKings and FanDuel. He framed the issue as a compliance tool for the league. At the same time, it gives fans real data.

In Bettman’s words: “We have aligned with the prediction market because we believe our fans need to understand that if they’re going to execute those contracts, it’s based on real data. But more importantly, it gives us control because we have the ability to take down any contracts that we don’t think are appropriate.”

Notably, the NHL’s ability to remove specific markets is something traditional sportsbooks do not typically grant.

There’s an ongoing national debate — including federal litigation — over whether sports-related event contracts mimic traditional sports bets. However, Bettman’s claims suggest that the league can control events that cross into sensitive territory.

‘We Monitor Every Second of Every Game’

Bettman contrasted the NHL’s posture with what he described as vulnerabilities in other sports. Currently, the NBA and MLB are facing investigations related to betting.

“I don’t believe our game is susceptible in perhaps the way that some others might be,” Bettman said.

“I have confidence in our players and our personnel, but this is something that we monitor every second of every game. We monitor the betting and prediction lines, and you can’t really get away with doing that kind of cheating anymore.”

The NBA is investigating an expanding betting scandal that led to the arrests of Terry Rozier, Chauncey Billups, and Damon Jones. MLB, meanwhile, continues dealing with federal investigations tied to alleged game manipulation and pitch-fixing.

These high-profile cases have heightened concerns about proposition bets, insider information, and real-time micro-events. These are all areas where prediction markets could pose risks if not closely monitored.

Bettman argued the opposite: that official alignments offer more visibility.

“Being aligned with either the sports betting entities or the prediction market entities gives you the ability to have more control and to observe more closely exactly what’s going on. So, I think it’s more protective than anything else by having these alignments.”

Will Sports Betting & Prediction Markets Converge?

When asked whether prediction markets and traditional sportsbooks would eventually become one ecosystem, Bettman offered a hint at what may come next.

“I think they’ll morph. I don’t know if you’ll call it a technical merger, but I think they’ll all morph together.”

The Commissioner noted that FanDuel and DraftKings are preparing to enter the sector. They recently withdrew their Nevada sports betting license applications amid pressure from regulators. Additionally, they withdrew from the American Gaming Association (AGA), as the trade group has opposed prediction markets.

However, while the NHL and some sportsbook operators are embracing the emerging sector, the AGA has urged other leagues, such as the NBA, NFL, and MLB, not to follow the NHL’s lead, citing regulatory ambiguity.

A Controlled Experiment With Industry-Wide Ripple Effects

The NHL is positioning prediction markets not as a risk, but as a tool. The league is effectively conducting a controlled experiment in blending data-driven engagement with oversight.

Whether other leagues follow, as Bettman says they may “morph,” could define the next major phase of sports wagering regulation in the U.S.