NBA, PGA and NCAA want higher age limits for prediction markets

May 1, 2026 - 20:55

The NBA, PGA, and NCAA have jointly called for stricter age restrictions on prediction market platforms, urging that the minimum age be raised from 18 to 21 years old. The major sports organizations cited potential risks to young bettors, arguing that these platforms operate similarly to gambling and pose unique dangers for teenagers and young adults.

In a letter to regulators, the groups highlighted that prediction markets allow users to wager on outcomes of games, player performances, and other real-time events. They argued that 18-year-olds are often still in high school or early college, making them particularly vulnerable to developing gambling habits. The NCAA, which governs college sports, emphasized that many of its athletes are under 21 and could face pressure or exploitation if peers are legally betting on their performances.

The push comes as prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket have grown in popularity, offering bets on everything from election results to sports scores. While these platforms are not classified as traditional sportsbooks, critics say the line is blurring. The organizations want federal and state regulators to treat them with the same age restrictions as casinos and online sportsbooks.

Supporters of the current age limit argue that 18-year-olds can vote, serve in the military, and enter contracts, so they should be allowed to use these markets. But the NBA, PGA, and NCAA counter that gambling-related harm is well-documented among young adults, and raising the age would provide a simple safeguard. The debate is likely to intensify as more states consider legalizing and regulating prediction markets.