Illinois Gaming Board Bans Series Of Conduct-Related NFL Wagers

The Illinois Gaming Board made permanent on Thursday a ban on NFL-type wagers related to player conduct, negative outcomes, and other pre-determined bets.

The ban was temporarily enacted by IGB Administrator Marcus Fruchter last October following a request by the NFL. It covers the following types of wagers:

• Those related to player injuries
• Player misconduct
• The type of play (e.g., run or pass) executed to begin the game
• A player missing a field goal or extra point
• The first pass of a quarterback being incomplete
• Officiating assignments
• Fan safety
• Other wagers that can “hurt consumers, players, and game integrity”

The announcement comes ahead of Super Bowl LIX on Sunday between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles. Illinois is the second-largest sports betting marketplace in the United States, and nearly $1.3 billion was wagered on football from September-November 2024.

NFL’s original request largely fulfilled

The NFL’s original request made last fall covered the types of wagers listed above as well as replay results and what it labeled “roster/personnel decisions.” Fruchter noted that there was discussion between the board and licensed sportsbooks in the state for clarification in some instances. That led the NFL to amending its request in December “to clarify that the final category of its original request should be limited to predetermined outcomes directly related to on-field competition.”

Jonathan Nabavi, vice president, Public Policy and Government Affairs for the NFL, appeared remotely at the meeting and expressed satisfaction at the outcome reached by the state agency.

“We very much appreciate the collaboration as we’ve worked through this process and the efforts of the board to take into account our perspective on game integrity,” Nabavi said. “I think we’ve landed at a good place. … We noted the questions about making sure this was not meant to be over-broad.”

IGB Chairman Charles Schmadeke also expressed his approval of the process prior to the vote, saying, “I think it’s important for the NFL to maintain the integrity of its sports; it’s obviously important for this board to maintain the integrity of sports gaming.

“I think this proposal accomplishes the goals of both organizations, and I thank the NFL for its efforts and appreciate it very much.”

Illinois bettors will still be able to wager on non-game-day roster decisions, including the NFL draft and player movement via trades or free agency.