The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the NHL have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to share information and “protect the integrity” of both institutions.
The CFTC and NHL have both selected representatives to communicate regularly, and the CFTC says the NHL has introduced “layered protections” to monitor prediction markets related to professional hockey.
This news comes after a similar deal struck in March between the MLB and CFTC where the two organisations agreed to share information and keep communication lines open.
On the same day, MLB announced a sponsorship deal with Polymarket which gave the platform the right to use official MLB branding and access to the league’s data.
The NHL also gave both Polymarket and Kalshi these same rights after signing partnership agreements with the duo in October.
As part of a consultation on proposed rules for prediction markets which closed at the end of last month, players’ associations of the NHL, MLB, MLS, NFL and NBA wrote a joint letter stressing the need for athlete protection.
In the letter, the groups called on the CFTC to introduce a nationwide player protection regime akin to those implemented by state authorities.
Commenting on the NHL deal, CFTC chair Michael Selig said: “I’m proud the CFTC and NHL have officially signed an MoU, furthering the agency’s commitment to improve data sharing between professional sports leagues and the commission.
“This agreement is another step toward safeguarding the integrity of sports and protecting market participants in prediction markets from insider trading, fraud, and other abuses.
“I applaud NHL commissioner Bettman for collaborating with the CFTC and taking a leading role in protecting the integrity of professional hockey in our markets.”
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman added: “Integrity has always been and remains paramount to the NHL and fundamental to the trust our fans and partners place in our game.
“Our agreement with the CFTC enhances the comprehensive integrity monitoring systems already in place and strengthens our ability to identify, deter and address potential risks.
“This MoU reflects a shared commitment to transparency, oversight and protecting the integrity of the game.”
Prediction market integrity was called into question during a congressional hearing in mid-April when Selig was quizzed regarding the presence of Donald Trump Jr on the boards of both Kalshi and Polymarket.
Kalshi this week became the first prediction market platform to join a gambling-related harm organisation, pledging $2m over two years to the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG).
The post CFTC and NHL strike information-sharing agreement first appeared on EGR Intel.
Ice hockey league now has deals with Kalshi, Polymarket and the federal regulator, with the latter touted as “another step toward safeguarding the integrity of sports” by CTFC chair Michael Selig
The post CFTC and NHL strike information-sharing agreement first appeared on EGR Intel.