NFL Prop Bets Banned in Illinois to Prevent Game Fixing
The Illinois Gaming Board took strong action this week to protect against the ability of one person, either player, coach, or referee, to impact the outcome of certain NFL prop bets in the state. As a result, players will have eleven separate types of sports wagers less to bet on.
More states prohibit prop bets determined by one participant.© Nathan Shively, Unsplash
Illinois Bans Some NFL Prop Bets
Illinois joined states like Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio in agreeing with the NFL that certain types of bets are too easily swayed by one individual and provide too much temptation for bad actors to influence the outcomes of these wagers.
The NFL, as well as the NCAA, have long held that prop bets like whether a kicker will miss an extra point or the first pass will be incomplete are inherently dangerous not only because just one player can easily manipulate them, but also because they can cause fans to question the actual integrity of the sport.
Prohibiting these wagers altogether would complement NFL policies that require game participants, and other NFL personnel, to use their best efforts on the playing field and to protect NFL ‘inside information– Johnathan Nabavi, Vice President NFL Government Affairs and Public Policy, Letter to Illinois Gaming Board
A decline in viewership because of a perceived lack of integrity is every sports league’s worst nightmare. The NFL has been on a charm offensive this year, attempting to convince state gaming boards across the country that it is in everyone’s interest to ban certain types of prop bets in order to protect both the nascent sports betting industry in this country, but also the NFL and even their player’s best interests.
In a similar vein, NCAA president Charlie Baker has been persistent and unwavering in his calls to ban prop bets on all college sports, and the NCAA has made headway with Lousiana, Maryland, Ohio, and Vermont all prohibiting College prop action in 2024. Illinois currently bans prop bets only on Illinois college players.
Both the NCAA and NFL would like to see the following types of bets prohibited:
- Fan Safety
- Player Injuries
- Player Misconduct
- Officiating Assignments
- Penalties
- First Play of The Game
- Personel or Roster Decisions
- Replay Results
- Player to Miss Extra Point or Field Goal
- First Pass Incomplete
- Any other predetermined wager or bet whose outcome can be decided by only one person.
The latest figures for Illinois sports handle show almost $877 million wagered in August, one of the quieter months for sports books. This number is up almost 30% from August of 2023. What impact this loss of some of the favorite prop bets wagers in the NFL brings to Illinois sports books remains to be seen.
With sports betting on the rise, the NCAA is acting to protect student-athletes from harassment and working to protect the integrity of the game – this week shows why it’s so important to act. pic.twitter.com/krATwpS4hZ
— NCAA News (@NCAA_PR) March 27, 2024
