NCAA President Charlie Baker has officially requested that the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) suspend all college sports markets on prediction platforms.
Baker’s call to action follows similar demands from the American Gaming Association (AGA) and the Indian Gaming Association (IGA), citing significant concerns over consumer protection and sports integrity.
In a letter to the CFTC, Baker argued that prediction markets lack the robust safeguards present in the regulated sports betting industry, such as strict age verification and integrity monitoring.
“Given that some college students may erroneously equate sport prediction market trading to financial investing, it’s that much more critical that restrictions are in place,” Baker wrote.
Risks to Student-Athletes
Baker highlighted that while regulated sportsbooks generally restrict betting to those over 21, prediction markets often allow access to 18-year-olds. He warned that this accessibility could “heavily entice college students, and even high school students, into engaging in these markets in a harmful way.”
After confronting Kalshi, the NCAA president also noted that the volatility and unpredictability of college sports are “antithetical to how consumers should participate in financial investing.”
Regulatory Demands
Baker requested that the CFTC suspend trading until specific integrity measures are implemented and the NCAA is granted a voice in determining which markets are offered.
“I appreciate the CFTC’s attention to this matter and reiterate my request for the CFTC to suspend trading on these markets while offering my commitment to assist in developing a potential future marketplace that has the necessary safeguards to protect student athletes, consumers and college sport competitions,” Baker stated.
