NBA and WNBA bring prediction markets into fan safety campaign

The NBA and WNBA have announced a joint education campaign that places prediction markets alongside sports betting in their responsible gaming messaging. The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) is working with the leagues on the initiative.

The campaign is due to begin during the 2026-27 NBA season. Its central spot will appear on league-owned and partner social and linear channels, with a particular focus on young adults. The leagues have yet to disclose the creative or a precise launch date. 

The message covers financial loss and the potential effects of uncontrolled participation on mental well-being and relationships. Fans will be asked to set time and spending limits and seek help if their activity becomes difficult to manage. 

The decision to include prediction markets reflects a wider debate about their consumer protections. In a September statement, NCPG said such products can expose users to gambling-related harm regardless of their legal classification.  

A Harris Poll it commissioned found that 85% of Americans agreed users could develop unhealthy or addictive behavior on prediction platforms. 

In June, NCPG launched a Financial Trader Health and Safety Initiative to develop education and safeguards for emerging trading platforms. It has also urged prediction market operators to offer age verification, self-exclusion, spending information and clear financial-risk disclosures.

The NBA has used league media to carry similar advice before. In 2023, it joined Major League Baseball, the National Hockey League and NCPG in a spot warning that sports results are unpredictable and urging bettors to set limits. That campaign focused on conventional sports wagering; the planned NBA and WNBA effort explicitly covers event contracts as well. 

The WNBA has addressed gambling safeguards through its commercial relationships. Its 2022 sportsbook partnership renewal with FanDuel included a commitment to collaborate on responsible gaming and competition integrity. NCPG will direct viewers of the new campaign to information on recognizing gambling-related problems and finding help.

On October 12, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver called for access to prediction market data to help the league identify potential insider trading, a separate integrity concern arising from sports event contracts.