NHL Teams Up With U. S. Regulator to Keep Sports Betting Fair

The National Hockey League has entered a new partnership with the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to protect betting markets linked to hockey games. The deal, signed by CFTC Chair Michael Selig and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, sets up a system where each side appoints contacts who will meet privately and share data about any suspicious activity. They will also work together to address problems that could threaten the fairness of professional hockey and its betting contracts on regulated exchanges.

This move follows a similar agreement reached earlier this year with Major League Baseball. As sports betting becomes more popular, the risk of manipulation and match‑fixing grows. The CFTC manages prediction markets that let people trade on the outcomes of sporting events, so leagues are partnering with regulators to spot odd betting patterns and stop corruption that could harm the game.

The NHL has already partnered with two prediction‑market platforms, Polymarket and Kalshi. Polymarket also has deals with MLB, MLS and UFC. By working closely with the CFTC, the league hopes to shield fans, players and investors from insider trading, fraud and other abuses that could undermine confidence in the sport.

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