Sports·7 min read·LOS ANGELES
NHL Joins MLB on Prediction-Market Integrity Rules: What It Means for Kings, Sharks, Ducks, Dodgers, and Angels Bettors in California
By Catie Di StefanoPublished May 17, 2026Updated July 4, 2026
The NHL signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the CFTC on May 14, 2026, following MLB earlier in the month. For California — 3 NHL teams, 5 MLB teams, no legal sportsbooks — the MoUs quietly cement event contracts as the only sanctioned way to bet your home teams.
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Frequently asked questions
What did the NHL and MLB sign with the CFTC?
- Each league signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MLB in early May 2026, NHL on May 14) formalizing information-sharing on prediction-market integrity events. The MoUs cover suspicious-trade reporting, league access to settlement and orderbook data during integrity investigations, and coordinated consultation on contract design. The leagues did not get veto power over which contracts list — CFTC exclusive jurisdiction over the contracts themselves is intact.
Does this mean the NBA is next?
- Yes, expected this summer. The NBA has been in talks with the CFTC since the MLB framework was negotiated in April, and the NHL signing on May 14 sets the template. Once the NBA signs, all four major US pro leagues (counting MLS which signed in 2025) will have integrity MoUs in place.
Can I legally bet on the Kings, Sharks, Ducks, Dodgers, Angels, Giants, Padres, or A's from California?
- You can take a position on their games through CFTC-regulated event contracts on Kalshi and Polymarket — yes, legally, from California. Traditional sportsbooks remain illegal in California after the failed 2022 ballot measures. Event contracts are a different legal instrument (CFTC derivative, not state-licensed sportsbook bet), and they're available to California residents 21+ under federal commodities law.
What contracts are tradable on California pro teams today?
- Stanley Cup futures and single-game contracts on the Kings, Ducks, and Sharks; World Series and playoff contracts on the Dodgers, Angels, Giants, Padres, and Athletics; NBA Finals and series contracts on the Lakers, Clippers, Warriors, and Kings. Kalshi has the deepest single-game books for NHL and MLB; Polymarket has deeper futures and series-level liquidity.
Will the MoUs add new restrictions to what I can bet on?
- Probably yes — but gently. Expect more conservative player-prop contract rollouts in the near term (the MoUs let leagues consult on prop design before contracts list) and faster expansion of game-level moneyline, total, and series contracts. The headline contracts you trade today are not at risk.
Where do I start trading California pro-team contracts from California?
- Two-step: open a Kalshi account with code CAPREDICTS for a $10 trading bonus (Kalshi has the deepest single-game NHL/MLB books and issues a 1099-B for clean California tax filing), then add Polymarket on iPhone for the $50 trading bonus and deeper books on futures and series contracts.
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