Illinois Gaming Board Suspends NFL Bets Deemed “Fundamentally Unacceptable” by League
The Illinois Gaming Board has suspended certain types of NFL bets that the league deems “fundamentally unacceptable” or “100% controllable by a single person in a single game.”
Suspension of Certain Bets at NFL’s Request
The suspension of specific betting types followed an NFL request, as the league voiced concerns that these bets may pose a “significant risk” to the integrity of sports wagering.
The suspended bets primarily involve negative outcomes, such as wagers on whether a kicker will miss a field goal or extra point or if a quarterback’s first pass will be incomplete.
Also under scrutiny are bets dependent on individual actions, including the first play in a game, replay outcomes, and whether a penalty will stand or be overturned.
Additionally, the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) has focused on bets unrelated to on-field events, such as fan safety, player misconduct, penalties, referee assignments, team composition, or personnel decisions.
Guarding Integrity
The NFL argues these types of bets could be manipulated by individual players, coaches, or referees. The league emphasized that these bets contradict NFL policy, which mandates that participants and NFL staff uphold full effort on the field and protect “inside information.”
Jonathan Nabavi, NFL Vice President of Public Policy and Government Affairs, noted that the league has successfully sought similar prohibitions in states like Arizona, Indiana, and Kentucky. He added that some states have proactively banned these high-risk bets through legislation or regulatory frameworks.
This suspension is temporary and will remain in effect at least until the next Illinois Gaming Board meeting on December 12, when the Board will revisit the issue.
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