Illinois Gaming Board Temporarily Suspends Bets on NFL Events

The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) has temporarily suspended betting on certain National Football League (NFL) events, responding to concerns raised by the league regarding the integrity of specific wagers. This action, effective as of October 24, 2024, was authorized by IGB Marcus Fruchter. The NFL had formally requested that the board prohibit betting on several game-related events, a move aimed at protecting the integrity of the sport and ensuring public confidence in wagering practices.

NFL Requests Ban on Objectionable Bets

The NFL’s request was made under Illinois istrative Code Rule 1900.1130, which allows for the prohibition of certain types of bets. The league identified a range of bets it deemed problematic, including those involving injuries, officiating assignments, and other elements that could be manipulated by a single player or official. According to the NFL, these wagers are “inherently objectionable” as they are not directly tied to game performance but rather to incidents that could easily be controlled or influenced by individuals, raising concerns about integrity and public perception.

Jonathan Nabavi, the NFL’s Vice President of Public Policy and Government Affairs, explained that the league’s primary concern is to avoid any form of betting that could undermine the confidence of both players and fans. Nabavi emphasized, “These markets are not correctly related to game play or can have a negative impact on consumer confidence and players involved.” He highlighted that such bets, including those on penalties, replay decisions, and even the first play of a game, are susceptible to manipulation. This risk makes them dangerous for the sport’s reputation and the public’s trust in fair play.

The NFL also expressed concerns about bets related to player conduct and penalties, as well as more technical aspects of games, such as whether a field goal will be missed or whether a quarterback’s first will be incomplete. These types of bets, Nabavi pointed out, are too easily influenced by an individual player or official, making them especially vulnerable to abuse.

Illinois Gaming Board’s Response

Following the NFL’s request, Fruchter issued a temporary suspension on these types of wagers until the matter can be fully addressed in a board meeting scheduled for December 12, 2024. The IGB’s decision reflects growing concerns in various jurisdictions over the potential risks such wagers pose to the integrity of sports betting. Fruchter, utilizing his delegated powers from a 2020 pandemic-era decision, took swift action after the NFL’s request was delayed in reaching the public comment period, which was set to end on October 30, 2024.

Fruchter emphasized the need for a thorough review, stating that the suspension would remain in place until a final order is issued. This decision is not unprecedented, as other states have taken similar actions to prohibit wagering on certain events that could jeopardize the fairness of the games. In Illinois, sports betting operators must now comply with this suspension, and failure to do so could lead to severe disciplinary actions, including revocation of licenses.

Broader Implications for the Industry

The NFL’s request and the IGB’s swift response highlight the ongoing challenge of regulating sports betting in a way that maintains both the integrity of the games and public trust. In his statement to the board, Nabavi noted that other states, including Arizona, Indiana, and Michigan, have already enacted similar prohibitions either through legislation or regulatory decisions.

In a related development, the IGB also renewed the master sports wagering license for FanDuel Sportsbook & Horse Racing, granting the venue continued operation through October 2028. FanDuel’s handle for the first eight months of 2024 reached $7.2 million, a 38.4% decrease compared to the same period in 2023. The renewal underscores the importance of maintaining a stable and well-regulated betting market in Illinois, a state that has embraced sports betting since its legalization in 2019.

As the board prepares for its next meeting in December, the outcome of this suspension could set a precedent for other states and sports leagues dealing with similar concerns. The suspension also serves as a reminder of the delicate balance regulators must strike between fostering a thriving betting industry and safeguarding the integrity of the sports people love to watch and bet on.

For now, Illinois sports betting operators must adhere to the suspension, refraining from offering bets on events deemed objectionable by the NFL until the IGB reaches a final decision.

Source:

Rule 1900.1130 Request to Prohibit and Temporary Suspension of Wagering on Injuries, Officiating Related, Player Conduct, and Pre-Determined Events in any National Football League Game [pdf], Illinois Gaming Board, October 24, 2024.