On Thursday, October 24, Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) Administrator Marcus Fruchter made an important announcement. He authorized a temporary suspension on “objectional bets” across NFL markets. That includes wagering on injuries, player conduct, officiating assignments, and negative outcomes predetermined events in any game.
Earlier this month, the NFL requested to have the issue brought up for a vote at a meeting. However, an oversight had the league’s request not appear on the IGB’s website until October 16. Laws in Illinois say that 14 days is required to allow licensees and the public an opportunity to comment. The oversight by the IGB meant that the 14-day period was not over until October 30.
What specific wagers does the league want to remove from wagering markets?
Jonathan Nabavi presented the league’s case to the IGB. He is the Vice President of Public Policy and Government Affairs for the NFL. Nabavi stated the league wants to have wagers banned on what the NFL deems “objectionable bets for objective markets.” These types of wagers include betting on player injuries, fan safety, officiating assignments, and roster and personnel decisions.
Additionally, there were more game-specific wagers that the league deemed objectionable. That involves player misconduct (penalties), wagering on replays to be conformed or overturned, and wagering on the first play of the game. It also includes wagering on negative outcomes of plays like missing an extra point after a touchdown was scored.
Illinois Gaming Board Chairman Charles Schmadeke asked around to see if other states had language that prohibited “objectional bets.” Jonathan Nabavi responded and said that multiple jurisdictions have these types of rules in place. Nabavi mentioned how the IGB was able to place bans on similar types of wagers during the Super Bowl.
FanDuel and Horse Racing had their licenses renewed
Along with the ruling on NFL wagering from the IGB, they also conducted housekeeping on Thursday. They were able to renew the master sports wagering license for FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing. Their new four-year deal will run through October 2028. Accel Entertainment now owns the horse racing license after they purchased it from Fairmount Park in July. Through the first eight months of 2024, the venue has generated a $7.2 million handle.
