NCAA Voices Concerns Over Emerging College Football Prediction Markets
The NCAA has expressed serious concern about the rapid rise of online prediction markets for college football, highlighting potential risks for competition integrity and student-athlete safety. This comes after financial services company Robinhood launched markets allowing users to trade on outcomes of NFL and select college football games, including Power 4 conference matchups and independent programs. Robinhood even opened markets on marquee contests such as Iowa State vs. Kansas State, as well as the Heisman Trophy winner.
Robinhood’s initiative is in partnership with Kalshi, a financial exchange that recently began offering trading on college football point spreads and over/under totals. Unlike traditional sportsbooks such as DraftKings and FanDuel, which are regulated by state gambling authorities, Robinhood and Kalshi claim their markets fall under federal oversight by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. The NCAA, however, warns that markets operating outside state regulations could threaten the integrity of college athletics. Tim Buckley, NCAA Senior Vice President, emphasized the need for proper guardrails to protect student-athletes, coaches, and officials.
The prediction market boom has not gone unnoticed by traditional sportsbooks. DraftKings and FanDuel are exploring entry into this sector, with FanDuel partnering with CME Group to develop fully funded, event-based contracts with defined risk. Robinhood has also filed lawsuits to prevent New Jersey and Nevada from restricting its sports markets, while Kalshi faces similar legal challenges. Despite the uncertainty, both companies continue offering event-based contracts as college football kicks off, signaling a growing intersection between finance, sports, and betting innovation.
From NCAA Sport shirts
