Report: NFL banning new ad category from Super Bowl LX

According to Front Office Sports, the NFL is banning advertisements for prediction markets during the upcoming Super Bowl between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks.

Ads for prediction markets reportedly haven’t been allowed on NFL broadcasts all season and will now also be excluded from the Super Bowl as well.

“Prediction markets are among the list of ‘prohibited categories’ for the Super Bowl, a source familiar with the matter tells Front Office Sports,” Front Office Sports’ Ben Horney wrote. “Prediction-market commercials have not been allowed on NFL broadcasts all season; they were added to the list of categories the NFL forbids before the kickoff of the 2025 season, the source says.

“Although the list of prohibited categories is not public, it’s known to include tobacco, pornography, firearms, and other controversial subjects.”

The NFL has expressed concerns regarding prediction markets, arguing that they lack oversight and necessary safeguards.

It’s of note that prediction-market ads are different from sports betting ads, and the latter is not a banned category during the Super Bowl, even if there has been a limit put on the number of such ads that will be shown. It’s been reported that no more than six sports betting ads will be allowed during the looming Super Bowl.

Some famous prediction-market platforms include Kalshi, Polymarket and Coinbase, just to name a few. Neither Kalshi nor Polymarket has specified whether it wanted a commercial in the Super Bowl prior to news of the ban.

Front Office Sports noted that even though the Super Bowl has banned ads for prediction markets, some viewers could theoretically see one slip through. That’s because local TV affiliates often have different ads from the national broadcast.

For as much as the advertisements are a fundamental part of enjoying the Super Bowl, it’s of course about the game first and foremost, and this year’s iteration could be must-see television.

New England and Seattle will meet on the league’s brightest stage after they both put together 14-3 campaigns in the regular season. One storyline revolves around how Seattle’s offense will clash with New England’s defense, with both units playing at a very high level in the playoffs so far.

The Seahawks have scored 72 points in their two playoff games up to this point, while the Patriots’ defense has allowed just 26 points through New England’s three playoff bouts.

The Patriots-Seahawks Super Bowl also marks a rematch of Super Bowl XLIX. New England ended up winning that game by a final score of 28-24 behind an iconic late-game interception from now-retired cornerback Malcolm Butler.