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The American Gaming Association (AGA) has strongly criticized the National Hockey League’s new partnership with prediction market platforms Kalshi and Polymarket, warning that the move undermines the integrity of the regulated U.S. sports betting industry.
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In a statement to ESPN, AGA president and CEO Bill Miller called the NHL’s partnership with the two trading exchanges “a troubling message” for the industry. Miller said:
“Contrary to the league’s claims, the future of these platforms is far from certain, evidenced by the legal proceedings in multiple states, the view of well over half of the nation’s attorneys general, and state regulators determining these platforms to be illegal. This move sends a troubling message: that integrity, responsibility, and clear legality are optional in sports gaming.”
The AGA, whose members include FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, bet365, and leading casino and tribal operators, said the NHL’s endorsement of such companies “fails to comply with essential standards” that licensed sportsbooks must follow.
Earlier this week, the NHL announced a multi-year marketing agreement with Kalshi and Polymarket, designating them as its official prediction market platforms. The deal includes rights to the league’s trademarks, logos, and official designations, as well as arena signage and broadcast promotions throughout the hockey season.
Keith Wachtel, president of NHL Business, said the collaboration was driven by fan engagement. He said:
“As prediction markets continue to evolve at a rapid pace, partnering with the two market leaders, Kalshi and Polymarket, provides a tremendous opportunity for the broadest fan engagement during the NHL season. Polymarket and Kalshi are ideal partners as this category continues to grow and expand.”
Despite federal approval, Kalshi faces ongoing legal disputes with regulators in Nevada, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Ohio — all states that host NHL teams. These states have expressed concerns that event contracts traded on Kalshi resemble unregulated gambling, conflicting with local wagering laws.
Meanwhile, Polymarket, which halted U.S. operations in 2022 after a regulatory settlement, has regained limited access and is preparing a relaunch. Both companies promote event trading as financial speculation, but the AGA maintains they are gambling under another name.
One of the AGA’s key objections is that prediction markets often allow 18-year-olds to participate, while legal sportsbooks enforce a 21-year minimum age. Miller said this difference undermines consumer protections and the consistent standards established since the legalization of sports betting in 2018.
“Over the past seven years, the legal U.S. sports betting market has proven that a transparent, accountable, and regulated system benefits everyone – fans, leagues, states, and most importantly, consumers,” Miller said. “Undermining that success with backdoor gambling schemes masquerading as ‘financial products’ is reckless and shortsighted.”
The NHL clarified that the deal does not apply to Canada, where seven of the league’s franchises are based. However, its impact on U.S. jurisdictions remains uncertain, especially as several states continue challenging prediction markets’ legality.
Industry observers say the deal reflects the NHL’s growing interest in fan engagement and financial innovation, but also places it at odds with mainstream sports betting operators that prioritize compliance under state law.
The NHL named Kalshi and Polymarket its official prediction market partners under a multi-year deal.
The AGA believes both companies operate illegally in several states and allow underage access, violating consumer protection norms.
Kalshi is battling regulators in Nevada, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Ohio, while Polymarket recently re-entered the U.S. market after a 2022 settlement.
No, the partnership is limited to U.S. operations.