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With the All-Star break in the rearview mirror and the playoffs less than two months away, both MLB MVP races are beginning to heat up.

The landscape in both leagues has shifted significantly over the past week, with several contenders making strong pushes while others have seen their cases take a hit.

Let’s take a look at the biggest risers and fallers in the American League and National League MVP races.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

Biggest Risers: 

Just a few weeks ago, Shohei Ohtani appeared to be running away with the National League MVP race, sitting as the overwhelming favorite on the oddsboard. While Pete Crow-Armstrong had the second-best odds, he was still viewed as a big long shot at +750. Fast-forward two and a half weeks, and the race has tightened dramatically. After a great start to the second half of the season, Crow-Armstrong has surged to -110, tying Ohtani as the MVP favorite as of Aug. 6. 

Crow-Armstrong has been one of baseball’s hottest hitters over the past two months or so. In June, the 24-year-old had a .381 average with 11 home runs, 20 RBIs, and a .468 OBP.  In July, PCA hit .278 with six home runs, 17 RBIs, and a .400 on-base percentage. Through the first five days of August, PCA is hitting .412 with two home runs and six RBIs, and his play was a huge reason the Cubs just swept the Dodgers.

Since June, Crow-Armstrong has raised his season batting average from .242 to .288, emerging as a legitimate threat to Ohtani’s MVP campaign. 

Yordan Álvarez continues to separate himself in the American League MVP race, putting together what is shaping up to be a historic season. He ranks first in MLB with a .329 batting average, leads the majors with 35 home runs, and sits third with 85 RBIs, officially putting himself in the Triple Crown conversation.

The Astros slugger has only strengthened his case since the All-Star break. He has raised his batting average from .318 to .329 while recording seven multi-hit games, four home runs, and 15 RBIs. As a result, his AL MVP odds have climbed over the past few weeks, moving from -165 all the way to -1500.

Biggest Fallers: 

On July 18, Ohtani was the overwhelming -1500 favorite to win the NL MVP. Now, he is no longer the outright favorite as he shares it with PCA. Ohtani’s odds have plummeted to -110, dramatically tightening what once looked like a runaway race.

Since the All-Star break, Ohtani’s batting average has actually gone up from .293 to .297. He also has four home runs and 12 RBIs in that span. However, the biggest reason for his slide has been the lingering soreness in his left knee, which has kept him off the mound. Ohtani has not pitched since July 3, and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has emphasized that the team plans to be cautious with his return.

For much of the season, the NL MVP race appeared to be all but over. Now, with Pete Crow-Armstrong surging and Ohtani’s injury concerns, the two-man race has gotten a lot more intriguing. 

A few weeks ago, Bobby Witt Jr. had the third-best odds to win MVP at +500. Now, after missing time with lower back tightness/spasm and recording just three hits in his first five games since returning, his odds have fallen to +6500.

Witt Jr. has played in only five games since the ASG, going 3-17 with five strikeouts in that span. 

Let’s check out the odds to win AL and NL MVP at FanDuel Sportsbook as of Aug. 6. 

Odds to Win NL MVP 

Shohei Ohtani: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)
Pete Crow-Armstrong: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)

Odds to Win AL MVP

Yordan Alvarez: -1500 (bet $10 to win $10.67 total)
Junior Caminero: +700 (bet $10 to win $80 total)
Ben Rice: +2700 (bet $10 to win $280 total)
Bobby Witt Jr.: +6500 (bet $10 to win $660 total)

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GREEN BAY, Wis. — Jordan Love is an NFL quarterback with two impulses above all others.

The first is the one I suspect coach Matt LaFleur is most proud of, in large part because it’s the one LaFleur and his staff have instilled in Love over the course of the 27-year-old QB’s five years with the Green Bay Packers.

“I’m always trying to get to third-and-short,” Love told me Tuesday at Packers camp.

But there’s another impulse. And perhaps this one is innate, in part because of Love’s rare height, weight, speed, agility and — most important — arm strength. That impulse? 

“I always want the big play,” the 6-foot-4, 220-pound QB told me.

Of course, in football, as in life, you can’t “always” have two distinct things.

Get into third-and-short.

Or hunt the big play.

“Definitely in constant conflict,” Love said with a laugh.

(Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

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The difficulty of quarterbacking in today’s NFL — with an uptick in conservative, shell defenses that force passers to be painstakingly patient — is managing that conflict. But when a QB gets it right, his coaches are happy and his receivers are happy and he — in turn — is happy.

“Everybody’s happy,” Love agreed. “It all comes down to winning.”

Nowadays, that’s all Love seems to care about. While his counting stats have progressively decreased, his advanced stats have never been better. His touchdown totals have declined, but his mastery of the game is luminescent on his game tape.

Love has turned into The QB Nerd’s favorite quarterback, with film-watchers and data-crunchers touting him endlessly. But then the fantasy football owners and box-score warriors treat him as their scapegoat, pointing to disappointing game totals, flagrant errors and interceptions (of which there are not many).

Love landed outside the top 10 among QBs in at least one executive poll this offseason. He wasn’t one of the top 10 rated QBs in “Madden 27.” And he’s never been a Pro Bowl selection — just a one-time alternate joining the likes of Mac Jones and Shedeur Sanders.

Where is the love?

The first thing you have to do with Love is throw the counting stats out the window. To some degree, that seems to be what he’s doing.

“He’s very aggressive when it comes to looking for home runs,” Packers offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich told me Tuesday. “But he’s learned to take what the defense gives him. … It’s what a mature person does, and a mature quarterback. He’s obviously developed into that.”

Now, entering his sixth season under LaFleur, Love said that his job is about “finding those completions.” 

That expression gave me pause. You don’t typically think of completions as a game of hide-and-seek. But with all the disguises that defenses show these days, it’s a quarterback’s job to play detective — both before the snap and after. To distinguish fact from fiction. To decipher coverages. That’s where Love told me he felt he’s improved most.

As Love has matured, LaFleur, who calls Green Bay’s plays, has given the QB more authority over the offense. Just listen to Love’s routine after receiving the play call.

“The more years I played, you hear a play and you already kind of know what he’s calling [before he’s finished],” Love told me of LaFleur. “You know why he’s calling the play. You know what the situation is, and so … you’re kind of visualizing the play as he’s calling it.”

The Green Bay QB now knows the play call before Packers coach Matt LaFleur (right) is finished giving it. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)

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After relaying the play in the huddle, Love gets to the line to see what the defense has to offer in the way of information.

“I’m thinking about where I’m going to be going with the ball pre-snap and making those notes pre-snap on what I’m going to be doing,” Love said.

So practical. 

He’s falling in love with third-and-1 — or even third-and-3.

“You get into that mindset where I’m always trying to get to third-and-short. If there’s a way I can take a checkdown, take the completion, things that are moving the sticks and staying out of these third-and-long situations are always going to help us at the end of the day,” Love told me.

It’s not just about keeping the offense on schedule — which is one form of situational awareness that helps a QB take control of the game. It’s also about setting up his special teams and defense for success.

Packers long snapper Matthew Orzech said there are times when he’s anticipating a long field goal attempt — or, perhaps worse, a punt scenario where the offense is backed up against the goal line. So he is mentally preparing for the opposing unit to bring something nasty in hopes of generating a blocked kick and a touchdown recovery.

But just as things look grim for the special teams unit …

“Somehow he’s able to just take that checkdown to the running back outside that gets us outside the five-yard line,” Orzech told me. “There’s been a few of those for sure where you’re standing there gearing up for an all-out rush, all-out holdup, knowing something crazy is about to happen, but then he just gets you just enough yards on a smart little checkdown that’s not flashy at all.”

That’s how a quarterback adds points or takes them away from an opposing team. We always hear about players doing the little things right. This is one example of the little things that Love does right. One of many.

The Packers QB focuses on finding the right completion — and then, finally, the big completion finds him. Which is why receiver Christian Watson — with his 4.36 speed — and tight end Tucker Kraft — with his 6-foot-5, 260-pound frame – are always waiting. Always ready.

“I’m always hunting [for a big play,]” Love told me. “I want to put pressure on the defense and take the top off. And you’ve got to know when to take those shots and how to weigh the risk of, ‘Alright, I want this shot, but you know it’s not a good opportunity right now.’ [When] we get the perfect coverage for something, [then it’s], ‘I got to be able to hit this down the field.’”

Love’s efficiency isn’t just about an improved completion percentage or success rate. It’s about recognizing the rare opportunities to do what makes him special: unleash a deep ball. And it’s about capitalizing when a defense serves up the chance.

Love’s big plays are so impressive that they almost look like … luck. Like they’re not the type of thing that he can reproduce. But they are. Whether it’s about ball placement or off-platform throwing (or his patented fadeaway jumper), Love has proven he can repeat the improbable.

“It’s only luck when it’s once in a blue moon,” Watson said. “Those kinds of one-off-seeming plays, he makes them consistently, and obviously we make them often.”

In 2025, Love’s EPA/dropback was on par with that of NFL MVP Matthew Stafford, tied for second in the NFL (.19), per Next Gen Stats. Love’s completion percentage over expected was fourth in the NFL. His success percentage was tied for eighth with Jared Goff. His big-time throw percentage was 5.8%, per PFF, fifth highest. He had 27 big-time throws, eighth most.

Christian Watson (9) celebrates with Jordan Love (10) after a touchdown during Green Bay’s NFC wild-card game against the Chicago Bears in January. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

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That comfort comes from trust. That trust comes from communication. That communication often stems from failure.

“Anytime anything goes negatively, honestly, we’ll always talk about it,” Watson told me. “I’ll come by after and tell him my thought process, and then he’ll tell me his thought process on the play, just to get a feel for where we’re at there. … What I should have done better? Or what he thinks he could have done better.”

Perhaps it’s fair then to arrive at a logical question.

Is Jordan Love underrated?

“One hundred percent,” Watson said. “I think that when you bring up any of those meaningful quarterback stats, I feel like he’s up there in all of them.”

“Absolutely, absolutely,” Packers receiver Skyy Moore told me.

“Yeah,” Stenavich said. “He may not lead the league in passing yards or anything like that. But I think the biggest thing is, like you said, the EPA. When we are throwing the ball, what happens?” 

Good things.

“And that’s a testament to him and what we do as an offense,” Stenavich said.

That’s also a testament to Love’s progress as a passer. And that’s a sign of his ascendance into the realm of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks.

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Prior to the start of the 2026 MLB season, Jacob Misiorowski was +3000 to win the National League Cy Young Award.

Now, after striking out 22 batters in his last two starts, Misiorowski’s odds have surged to -550, the shortest they’ve been all season.

With Misiorowski widening the gap in the NL race, the Cy Young landscape has changed dramatically in both leagues over the past several weeks.

Let’s take a look at the biggest risers and fallers in the American League and National League Cy Young races.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

Biggest Risers: 

Jacob Misiorowski’s dominance has been on full display all season long. The 24-year-old leads MLB in ERA (1.63), strikeouts (195) and WHIP (0.73). He also has the ninth-best record in baseball at 11-5. 

In his four starts in the month of July, Misiorowski only gave up five runs while striking out 39 hitters, including three games with 10 strikeouts or more. The Miz threw a one-hit, complete-game shutout in which he tossed 15 K’s against the Phillies on June 12th. In his first start of August, Misiorowski suffered his first loss in a month, though it wasn’t his fault. He allowed just two runs over seven innings while striking out 10, but the Brewers offense failed to give him any run support.

In the last week, Dylan Cease’s odds to win the AL Cy Young have surged to +110, closing the gap on Cam Schlittler, who is currently at -130. 

Two starts ago, Cease threw a complete-game shutout, allowing just one hit and striking out 12 in a 6-0 win over the Boston Red Sox. The right-hander followed that up with a quality start against the Cardinals in which he only allowed one run in six innings while striking out seven. In July, Cease had three shutout starts of seven innings or more in each, lowering his ERA from 3.02 to 2.41 in that span. 

The Toronto Blue Jays right-hander is fifth in MLB in ERA (2.41), third in strikeouts (174) and 13th in WHIP (1.08). 

Biggest Fallers: 

In early June, Cristopher Sánchez was the +145 favorite to win the NL Cy Young after throwing 50 ⅔ consecutive scoreless innings and not giving up a single run in the month of May. 

Now, after a rough month in July, Sánchez has plummeted down the Cy Young oddsboard to +850. In July, the Phillies left-hander gave up 16 runs in four starts, including nine runs and 12 hits in his July 6th outing against the Royals. As a result of his rough month, Sánchez’s ERA went from 2.00 to 2.61. 

However, Sánchez’s first start in August was his best in a while. He threw six shutout innings, only giving up two hits while striking out 11. The 29-year-old will look to build off that great performance and get himself back into the AL Cy Young race in the closing stretch of the season. 

Earlier this summer, Shohei Ohtani had a real chance at winning both the NL MVP and Cy Young. However, lingering soreness in his left knee has kept Ohtani off the mound since July 3rd. 

Prior to Ohtani’s injury, the four-time MVP winner had an 8-2 record, an ERA of 1.79 and 95 strikeouts in 85.2 innings pitched. 

While Ohtani will continue to hit as a designated hitter, the Dodgers are expected to be extremely cautious with his return to the mound. With that, Ohtani has been taken off the Cy Young award betting oddsboard. 

Odds to Win NL Cy Young

Jacob Misiorowski: -550 (bet $10 to win $11.82 total)
Chris Sale: +700 (bet $10 to win $80 total)
Cristopher Sanchez: +850 (bet $10 to win $95 total)

Odds to Win AL Cy Young

Cam Schlittler: -130 (bet $10 to win $17.69 total)
Dylan Cease: +110 (bet $10 to win $21 total)
Sonny Gray: +1900 (bet $10 to win $200 total)
Drew Rasmussen: +2700 (bet $10 to win $280 total)

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SAN DIEGO — It’s nothing but good vibes for Jim Harbaugh and the Los Angeles Chargers in what has become their annual trek to his former stomping grounds at the University of San Diego.

“Blessed is the word that I can come up with because there’s no word better than blessed,” Harbaugh said about the second year of his team’s return to San Diego. “That’s how I think of the days here when I was coaching at USD.”

The team practiced in front of packed crowds for two days in their former city, which included a moment of silence for former Chargers linebacker Billy Ray Smith, who passed away last week at the age of 64 due to dementia caused by CTE, according to Smith’s family. 

Mike McDaniel got into the act. The blingy offensive coordinator said he was unprepared to take off his shades during an indoor press conference with reporters.

“Ron Burgundy wasn’t lying,” McDaniel said about being in San Diego. “This place is sweet.” 

Even recently engaged franchise quarterback Justin Herbert joined the love fest, as fiancée Madison Beer stroked his brow like both were hanging out at the beach on the field after practice.

But hey, this is football season. So, here are four takeaways from watching this team with Super Bowl expectations on the hoof for two days. 

1. McDaniel-Herbert Duo Off To Good Start

One of the biggest moves this offseason for Harbaugh was letting go of good friend Greg Roman in favor of an innovative offensive mind in McDaniel. So far, Herbert and McDaniel have meshed well, as the Oregon product is focused on getting the ball out more quickly and leaning on a diverse running game led by second-year pro Omarion Hampton and free-agent signee Keaton Mitchell.

McDaniel talked about stressing Herbert in practice, citing an example of the talented quarterback forcing a ball into tight coverage to Tre Harris that was picked off by safety Kendall Williamson.

“He hasn’t strayed,” McDaniel said about Herbert. “What you’re asking a quarterback to do is not succumb to the compass of results. It’s the process of how we’re doing things, and his investment has been a full immersion into that process.”

Mike McDaniel (left) is already making an impact on the Chargers in his first year as offensive coordinator. (Photo by Meg McLaughlin / The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)

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For his part, Herbert said the detailed McDaniel is showing him a new way to look at generating efficient, effective offensive plays that lead to explosive plays and scores — by pushing the limits and learning from the mistakes made in practice. 

“The more reps, the better,” Herbert said when asked about his evolution in mastering the offense. “In OTAs we did everything we could to master the footwork, master the offense. Now, we’re just going out there and playing fast and letting the ball fly around. And I think that’s what is important in camp, is to just go out there and play football like you’re reacting and playing in a game. And treating those reps like real game reps.” 

2. Tre Harris Taking Another Step In Development

One player who has consistently flashed so far is second-year pro receiver Tre Harris. The Ole Miss product selected in the second round by the Bolts last year finished with 30 receptions for 324 yards and a score as a rookie.

Harris bulked up this offseason and has looked more explosive during training camp as a frequent target for Herbert. McDaniel said Harris was a player he wanted to draft while serving as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins.

“He is a grown man,” McDaniel said. “He’s put on the appropriate mass through blood, sweat and tears, giving him the muscle and strength that will make him a matchup nightmare.”

3. Offensive Line Remains A Work In Progress

The Chargers have both bookend tackles back healthy and participating in practice after season-ending leg injuries in left tackle Rashawn Slater and right tackle Joe Alt. Harbaugh said joining that duo as cemented starters up front are free agent pickups Cole Strange at right guard and center Tyler Biadasz at center.

That said, there’s a five-man competition for the starting left guard position between Kayode Awosika, Trey Pipkins, Trever Penning, Jake Slaughter and Branson Taylor. Harbaugh said Awosika is leading the pack right now, and he’d like to decide on a starter in another 10 practice days.

However, with the rash of injuries the Chargers experienced last season and Herbert finishing as the most-hit quarterback in the league in 2025, the important thing for the Chargers is creating positional flexibility through the offensive line room by generating experienced, functional depth along the offensive line.

“There’s a high focus on it,” Harbaugh said. “It’s critical to us. And Butch (offensive line coach Butch Berry) is doing a great job. There’s numerous guys with guard-tackle flexibility. … We’ve got a good amount of flexibility there.”

Joe Alt is back on the field for the Chargers after the offensive tackle missed the majority of the 2025 season due to an ankle injury. (Photo by Meg McLaughlin / The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)

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Harbaugh has mentioned working smarter, not harder in training camp. So, considering the bad injury luck this franchise experienced last season, it was good to see the Chargers have a light job through practice a day after the team’s first padded practice. Specifically, left tackle Rashawn Slater, who missed the entire 2025 season after suffering a torn patellar tendon in his left knee in a training camp practice, got a bit dinged up during the first padded practice, appearing to suffer a leg injury.

Rather than limp through practice, the Chargers wisely had Slater watch from the sidelines to avoid further injury. Slater returned to practice the following day and appeared healthy. Harbaugh and the Chargers appear focused on putting their best foot forward when it comes to health, working to get their best players to the start of the regular season as healthy as possible. 

4. Tuli Tuipulotu contract impasse still an issue

The Chargers already have a tough task in replacing departed defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, who left to take over the Baltimore Ravens head coaching job this offseason. Former Western Michigan defensive coordinator Chris O’Leary, who served as the safeties coach for the Bolts two years ago, has been tasked with that job.

Making matters worse for the Chargers is that one of the team’s best defensive players, linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu, has been limited for much of camp as he’s seeking a contract extension while entering the final year of his rookie deal. The Bolts would like to have the team’s leading pass rusher (13 sacks in 2025) from last season back to full-go sooner rather than later.

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Prediction markets are regulated by the federal government, which means they are legal at the national level in all 50 states and Washington, DC. Even so, where you can actually trade sports event contracts depends on your state, because several states have gone to court to challenge or block the major platforms.

This guide breaks down the legal status of prediction markets in every state as of August 2026, explains why the map keeps shifting, and covers which platforms operate where. Because this is a fast-moving legal area, always confirm current availability with a platform before you fund an account.

Are Prediction Markets Legal in the US?

Prediction markets are legal at the federal level and, under federal law, can operate in all 50 states and Washington, DC. They are overseen by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the federal agency that regulates derivatives markets in the United States.

On a prediction market, you trade event contracts, which the CFTC treats as a type of swap. Each contract is a yes-or-no position on the outcome of a real-world event, with a fixed payout (usually $1) and a set expiration, and the price reflects the market’s view of how likely that outcome is. 

Event contracts have traded on CFTC-regulated exchanges in the US since 2004, and the 2010 Dodd-Frank Act gave the CFTC authority over them under the Commodity Exchange Act.

Platforms offer these contracts through a Designated Contract Market, a federally regulated exchange. The CFTC has reaffirmed that it holds exclusive jurisdiction over event contracts, which sits at the center of the current disputes with several states. You can read the agency’s own overview on the CFTC prediction markets page.

Availability at the state level is where it gets complicated. A number of states argue that sports event contracts look like sports betting and should require a state gaming license, and they have moved to restrict or block the platforms. Courts have split on the question, so the map changes often.

Prediction Market Availability by State at a Glance

The table below shows the general status of prediction markets in each state as of August 2026. It reflects the leading CFTC-regulated platforms, Kalshi and Polymarket; individual platforms set their own footprints and may differ.

State	Prediction Market Status
Alabama	Available
Alaska	Available
Arizona	Contested
Arkansas	Available
California	Contested
Colorado	Available
Connecticut	Contested
Delaware	Available
District of Columbia	Available
Florida	Available
Georgia	Available
Hawaii	Available
Idaho	Available
Illinois	Contested
Indiana	Available
Iowa	Available
Kansas	Available
Kentucky	Available
Louisiana	Available
Maine	Available
Maryland	Contested
Massachusetts	Restricted
Michigan	Restricted
Minnesota	Contested
Mississippi	Available
Missouri	Available
Montana	Available
Nebraska	Available
Nevada	Restricted
New Hampshire	Available
New Jersey	Available
New Mexico	Contested
New York	Contested
North Carolina	Available
North Dakota	Available
Ohio	Contested
Oklahoma	Available
Oregon	Available
Pennsylvania	Available
Rhode Island	Contested
South Carolina	Available
South Dakota	Available
Tennessee	Contested
Texas	Contested
Utah	Contested
Vermont	Available
Virginia	Available
Washington	Restricted
West Virginia	Available
Wisconsin	Contested
Wyoming	Available

Available means the major platforms operate with no active state challenge affecting access. Contested means platforms are generally still operating, but an active lawsuit or enforcement action could change access, and sports contracts may be limited while other markets stay open. Restricted means a court order currently blocks or limits access, most often to sports event contracts.

How State Restrictions Work

Even though prediction markets are federally regulated, access on the ground varies by state because of ongoing litigation. Two points explain most of the confusion.

• Sports contracts are the usual target. A state can restrict sports event contracts while leaving politics, economics, crypto, and other categories open, so a platform may be partly available rather than fully blocked.
• Availability differs by platform. Each platform decides where to operate and may geolocate users in disputed states, so one platform can be live in a state where another has paused. Always check a platform’s current availability page before you deposit.

When a state secures a court order, platforms typically stop offering the affected contracts to users located there while the case plays out. Because rulings, injunctions, and appeals arrive on their own timelines, a state can move between available, contested, and restricted within weeks.

Which States Are Challenging Prediction Markets?

The following states have active lawsuits, enforcement actions, or court orders affecting prediction markets as of August 2026. This is an evolving landscape, so check current availability before trading.

Arizona

Arizona filed criminal charges against Kalshi, alleging violations of state gaming and election laws. A federal court issued an injunction protecting the platforms, and the state’s appeal is pending. Prediction markets remain available in Arizona for now.

California

Three California tribes argue that prediction markets conflict with tribal gaming rights and the state’s sports betting ban. A federal judge denied their injunction, and the case is on appeal to the Ninth Circuit. California’s Digital Financial Assets Law also took effect July 1, adding more uncertainty. Trading remains available for now.

Connecticut

Connecticut sent cease-and-desist letters arguing that sports and election contracts amount to illegal online gambling. The CFTC countersued to assert federal jurisdiction and secured an injunction. Platforms continue to operate while the case proceeds.

Illinois

Illinois passed a law adding a tax and a licensing requirement for prediction markets. Kalshi sued in June, and the state agreed not to enforce while a preliminary injunction is pending. Trading remains available in the meantime.

Maryland

Maryland argues that sports event contracts are unlicensed sports bets subject to state gaming law. A federal judge denied Kalshi’s request to block enforcement, and the case is on appeal to the Fourth Circuit. Sports contracts are contested in Maryland pending the outcome.

Massachusetts

A court granted an injunction blocking Kalshi from offering sports event contracts in Massachusetts, and the state’s highest court has appeared skeptical of the platform’s position. Sports contracts remain blocked, though non-sports markets may still be available.

Michigan

A Michigan court ordered Kalshi to pause operations, one of several state actions targeting sports event contracts. Kalshi is complying while it argues the dispute belongs in federal court. Access to sports contracts is currently restricted.

Minnesota

Minnesota signed a first-of-its-kind law in May 2026 that would have criminalized operating prediction markets, set to take effect August 1. Days before, a federal judge granted a preliminary injunction pausing the ban after finding it likely preempted by federal law. Kalshi and Polymarket continue to serve Minnesota users while the case proceeds.

Nevada

Nevada has the most restrictive posture in the country. Court orders block the major platforms from operating, the state Supreme Court denied an emergency stay, and the dispute is before the Ninth Circuit. Sports and other contracts are currently unavailable in Nevada.

New Mexico

New Mexico moved to enforce state gambling laws against prediction markets, and Polymarket filed suit in response. The dispute is ongoing, and access could change depending on the outcome.

New York

New York has proposed the ORACLE Act to more tightly regulate prediction exchanges, and the CFTC preemptively sued to block enforcement. A class action was also filed against Kalshi. For now, the major platforms continue to operate in New York.

Ohio

The Ohio Casino Control Commission fined Kalshi $5 million for operating without meeting state gaming requirements, and a lower court upheld the fine. The CFTC has challenged the ruling at the Sixth Circuit. Sports contracts are contested in Ohio.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island’s attorney general sued Kalshi and Polymarket, arguing they operate as illegal gaming platforms. The CFTC countersued to assert federal jurisdiction. The case is new, with no rulings yet, and platforms continue to operate.

Tennessee

Tennessee argues the platforms operate as unlicensed sportsbooks, but the CFTC secured a federal injunction blocking enforcement. Tennessee appealed to the Sixth Circuit and is seeking an expedited hearing. Trading remains available for now.

Texas

Texas broadly bans most gambling under its constitution, and state committees have been directed to investigate the platforms, with findings expected to inform action in 2027. Prediction markets remain operational in Texas in the meantime.

Utah

Utah, where most gambling is illegal, recently restricted proposition betting in a way that applies to prediction markets. Kalshi preemptively sued the state and warned it may block Utah users if it does not secure relief. Sports and prop contracts are contested.

Washington

Washington regulators moved to enforce state gambling laws against the platforms, and requests for emergency injunctions were denied in the Ninth Circuit. That has opened the door to state-level restrictions, and access is currently limited.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s attorney general filed multiple lawsuits arguing sports event contracts function like casino sportsbooks, and the CFTC countersued to defend its jurisdiction. A tribal nation also filed a federal suit. The case is ongoing, and platforms continue to operate.

Prediction Markets in States Without Legal Sports Betting

Prediction markets have drawn the most interest in states without legal online sports betting. 

In places like California and Texas, where there are no legal online sportsbooks, CFTC-regulated event contracts on sports outcomes are one of the few legal ways to trade on games, which makes availability there a high-stakes question. 

Florida, where online sports betting runs through a single operator, is a similar case. For a full breakdown of the platforms and their offers, see the FOX Sports best prediction markets guide.

Which Prediction Market Platforms Are Available?

Most FOX Sports coverage centers on the platforms with the deepest liquidity and broadest coverage. Kalshi and Polymarket are the two largest CFTC-regulated prediction markets in the country, and OG, a Crypto.com brand powered by Nadex, is a newer entrant. Availability differs by platform, so the notes below are a starting point rather than a guarantee.

• Kalshi: available in most states, with sports contracts paused in the states currently under court order. See the Kalshi promo code page for the current offer.
• Polymarket: the Polymarket US app operates through a CFTC-regulated exchange and follows a broadly similar state footprint. See the Polymarket promo code page for details.
• OG: not available in New York or Arizona, with sports contracts restricted in Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, and Ohio. See the OG Prediction Markets promo code page for the current offer.

Because each platform sets its own availability, the safest move is to open the app and confirm your state before funding an account.

Responsible Trading

Trading event contracts involves real risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone. Never commit more than you can afford to lose, and review each market question, the contract price, and the settlement rules before you take a position. If trading stops being fun or starts causing harm, support is available.

Prediction Market Legal Status FAQs

Are prediction markets legal in the United States?

Yes. Prediction markets are regulated by the CFTC and are legal at the federal level in all 50 states and Washington, DC. Some states are challenging that status in court, which can affect access to certain markets.

Which states restrict prediction markets?

As of August 2026, Nevada has the most restrictive posture, with the major platforms blocked. Massachusetts, Michigan, and Washington limit sports event contracts under court orders. More than a dozen other states have active lawsuits that could change access.

Can I trade sports prediction markets in my state?

In most states, yes. Sports event contracts are the main target of state challenges, so they may be paused in states with court orders even when other markets stay open. Check your platform’s availability page to confirm.

Why are some states trying to ban prediction markets?

Several states argue that sports event contracts function like sports betting and should require a state gaming license. The CFTC says it holds exclusive federal jurisdiction over event contracts, and courts have split on the question.

Are prediction markets the same as sports betting?

No. Prediction markets are federally regulated exchanges where you trade event contracts priced between $0 and $1 based on probability. Sportsbooks are state-licensed operators that set odds and take the other side of your bet.

What happens to my funds if my state restricts a platform?

If a platform pauses in your state, it will typically stop new trades for users located there. CFTC customer protections are designed to preserve access to your funds, but the specifics depend on the platform, so review its terms and support channels.

Will prediction markets be legal everywhere?

It is unsettled. The disputes could reach the Supreme Court, and the CFTC has proposed new federal rules. For now, the map keeps shifting, so treat any state’s status as current only for the moment.

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This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

Football is back! Well, the NFL preseason, but for some fans, that’s enough.

The Carolina Panthers and the Arizona Cardinals kick off the preseason in the Hall of Fame Game this Thursday. 

DraftKings, FanDuel, bet365, BetMGM and more sportsbooks couldn’t wait, just like bettors and fans. Sportsbooks are rolling out some preseason odds for the Hall of Fame game and next Thursday when the rest of the teams begin preseason.

Rookie quarterback Carson Beck will get the start for the Cardinals, while veteran quarterback Kenny Pickett will take the first snaps for the Panthers.

After the Hall of Fame Game, the first full slate of preseason Week 1 begins on Thursday, Aug. 13.

Any football is better than none, and with the preseason starting, that means Week 1 of the regular season is even closer. See how you can claim new-user promos from these different sportsbooks below.

FanDuel

Bet $5, Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days

1. Create a FanDuel Sportsbook account.
2. Place one $5+ real-money wager each day for up to 5 days (must be between 3AM ET and 11:59PM ET).
3. Earn a Bet Reset Token for each qualifying day—up to 5 total tokens.
4. Apply your Bet Reset Token when placing a wager to activate protection.
5. If your wager loses, you’ll receive a refund in Bonus Bets (up to $200 per token).
6. Refunds are issued within 72 hours after bet settlement as Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days.
7. Bet Reset Tokens expire 24 hours after being issued.

Preseason Week 1 Games

*Odds may differ each site*

Hall of Fame Game This Thursday

• Carolina Panthers vs. Arizona Cardinals — 8:00 PM ET

Preseason Week 1 Starts next Thursday

• Detroit Lions vs. Cincinnati Bengals – 7:00 PM ET
• Green Bay Packers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers – 7:00 PM ET
• Indianapolis Colts vs. New England Patriots – 7:30 PM ET
• Arizona Cardinals vs. Las Vegas Raiders – 8:00 PM ET
• Los Angeles Chargers vs. Houston Texans – 8:00 PM ET
• Tennessee Titans vs. San Francisco 49ers – 9:00 PM ET

DraftKings

Claim the New User Offer No Promo Code Needed

1. Sign up for a new DraftKings Sportsbook account.
2. Deposit funds (minimum $5).
3. Select the New Customer Token.
4. Place a $5+ cash bet (-500 odds or longer).
5. You will receive $150 in bonus bets instantly, regardless of the outcome of your qualifying wager.
6. Works the same on desktop & mobile.

Hall of Fame Game Odds

*Odds may differ each site*

Spread	-1.5 (-102)	+1.5 (-118)
Moneyline	-120	+100
Total	Over 35.5 (-112)	Under 35.5 (-108)

Who Scores First?

*Odds may differ each site*

Carolina Panthers	-115
Arizona Cardinals	-110

Caesars Sportsbook

Sign Up and Claim the Caesars Sportsbook Promo Code

1. Click here. This will take you directly to the Caesars Sportsbook betting app or website, where you can select your state. Make sure promo code FOXDYW is applied.
2. Select Sign Up and create a new account by entering your personal details, including name, email, address, date of birth, and the last four digits of your SSN.
3. If prompted, enter promo code FOXDYW to ensure the offer is applied.
4. Place a $1+ cash wager on any eligible market.
5. Receive 10 × 100% Profit Boost tokens in your account.
6. Apply the boosts to wagers (up to $25 each) within 14 days to increase potential winnings.

Panthers vs. Cardinals Winning Margin

*Odds may differ each site*

Win by 1–6	+400	+400
Win by 7–12	+550	+650
Win by 13–18	+750	+1000
Win by 19–24	+1300	+1800
Win by 25–30	+2500	+3500
Tie	+1600	—

bet365

How to claim bet365 Promo with Bonus Code ‘FOX365’.

1. Click this “Claim Bonus” button to go directly to bet365.
2. Select Sign Up and create a new account by entering personal details (name, email, date of birth, address, last 4 digits of SSN).
3. Enter the bonus code FOX365 when prompted to ensure the offer is locked in.
4. Make a minimum first deposit of $10 using an accepted payment method (PayPal, debit card, online banking, etc.).
5. Place your first wager. For the Bet $10, Get $150 offer, place a $10+ real-money bet on any market with odds of -500 or longer; win or lose, you’ll receive $150 in bonus bets once it settles. For the $1,000 First Bet Safety Net, place your first real-money bet; if it loses, bet365 refunds the stake (up to $1,000) in bonus bets.
6. Bonus bets are credited within 24 hours of the qualifying wager settling.

BetMGM

How to Sign Up and Claim the BetMGM Sportsbook Bonus Code

1. Click here. This will take you directly to the BetMGM app or website and automatically apply the promo code.
2. Select Sign Up and create a new account by entering personal details (name, email, date of birth, address, and last 4 digits of SSN).
3. When prompted, enter the promo code FOXSPORTS to ensure the offer is applied.
4. Make your first deposit of at least $10 using an accepted payment method (PayPal, Venmo, debit card, online banking, etc.).
5. Place your first real-money wager on any eligible sport:
6. If claiming the $1,500 First Bet Offer → refund is triggered only if the first bet loses.
7. If claiming the $10/$150 Alt Offer → the bet must win to receive the $150 bonus bets.
8. Bonus bets are credited to your account within 24 hours once the qualifying bet settles.

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Geno Smith is seeing things a bit differently with the New York Jets this time around.

No, it’s not quite rose-colored glasses. But the veteran quarterback is wearing red contact lenses during training camp this summer in his return to the team that drafted him in 2013.

Fashionable? Maybe. Functional? Definitely.

“It’s something that we’ve been doing,” said the 35-year-old Smith, acquired in the offseason from Las Vegas. “It blocks out the sunlight and all that, so it’s actually pretty cool. It keeps the glare from the sun out of your eyes.”

Smith was still wearing the UV protection lenses while speaking to reporters after practice Thursday, giving the quarterback’s eyes an almost sinister look. One reporter joked that he was scared, causing Smith to break into a not-so-evil grin.

“As I got back here, I spoke to some eye specialists,” Smith said, “and they suggested it and then we started doing it.”

The quarterback was asked if he was having eye issues or simply opted for the contacts over wearing a tinted visor on his helmet so there was less squinting and more seeing.

“It’s just something we’re trying out, just to see what it was like,” he said. “I like it, so we’ve been sticking with it.”

Several players around the league have tried wearing the glare-reducing contacts, including Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert last summer. Smith said he first saw them when then-Jets teammate Santonio Holmes wore them during the 2013 season.

Oh, and by the way, Smith isn’t seeing red these days.

“The entire room is yellow, so it’s a yellow tint to everything,” he said. “But yeah, it’s pretty cool. You guys should try it.”

They seem to be working for Smith, who is off to a solid start to camp. He played his first four NFL seasons for the franchise before stints with the Giants, Chargers, Seahawks and Raiders. New York, looking for a veteran signal caller in the offseason, acquired Smith and a seventh-round draft pick in March from Las Vegas for a sixth-rounder.

He’ll enter the season as the unquestioned starter and is feeling comfortable in new offensive coordinator Frank Reich’s system.

“I’m excited about the schematic advantages that he’s able to create, but also the ways that he allows players to go out there and make plays and to have freedom to take ownership of the offense,” Smith said. “I think there’s a fine balance with X’s and O’s and also having great players and allowing those guys to be themselves. Coach Reich, he’s played in the league, so he understands that dynamic and that balance.”

The Jets play their first preseason game next Friday night at home against Tampa Bay and former coach Todd Bowles. It wasn’t yet known if New York coach Aaron Glenn will play his starters, including Smith, at all in that game. Smith, who has played in the preseason the last several years, sounded open to the possibility.

“I love playing football.” Smith said. “Whenever coach tells me to go out there, I go play.”

Reporting by the Associated Press.

Source

Jahmyr Gibbs was back on the field Thursday for the first time since Detroit Lions training camp started a week ago.

The Pro Bowl running back participated in the early walk-through session and team stretching period before moving to the sideline to work with trainers.

It was not a full practice, but it was a start as Gibbs and the Lions appear closer to a deal to finalize a contract extension. He did not speak to the media when walking off the field after practice, but he held his right arm high and gave a thumbs up when asked if a deal was close.

“He’s one of our best players. We always want him out there, but I know he’s going to be ready when the moment comes,’’ offensive coordinator Drew Petzing said before practice. “I’m not concerned about it.’’

Gibbs, entering his fourth season, has been at camp participating in meetings, but Thursday was his first day on the field. He rushed for 1,223 yards with 13 touchdowns and had 77 receptions for 616 yards and five scores in 2025.

Linebacker Jack Campbell, who called Gibbs a fantastic human being, said his return makes his job tougher.

“For me, when I saw him back out there I was like, ‘Gosh, now I have to go one-on-one against him in routes,’” Campbell said. “But it’s good to have Jah back. You know what he is, you know what he does for the team, he’s electric.’’

In the past two days, Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (two-year, $44 million) and Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (three-year, up to $75 million) have reached contract extensions which could open the door for a Gibbs deal. Robinson is now the highest paid running back in NFL history.

Reporting by the Associated Press.

Source

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

The feeling of the NFL being back comes with instant bonus bets! New customers on DraftKings can receive $150 bonus bets instantly when they bet $5. It’s an easy way to kick off the NFL season, even though it’s preseason. 

The Arizona Cardinals will give rookie quarterback Carson Beck his first NFL start. Kenny Pickett will lead the offense for the Carolina Panthers. 

It might only be the Hall of Fame game, but DraftKings has you covered on moneyline, spread, total, 1st drive specials, and more.

Take advantage of the DraftKings promo by placing a $5 bet on Cardinals vs. Panthers to receive $150 instantly in bonus bets, just in time for the return of football.

DraftKings

Claim the New User Offer No Promo Code Needed

1. Sign up for a new DraftKings Sportsbook account.
2. Deposit funds (minimum $5).
3. Select the New Customer Token.
4. Place a $5+ cash bet (-500 odds or longer).
5. You will receive $150 in bonus bets instantly, regardless of the outcome of your qualifying wager.
6. Works the same on desktop & mobile.

Hall of Fame Game Odds

Spread	-1.5 (-102)	+1.5 (-118)
Moneyline	-120	+100
Total	Over 35.5 (-112)	Under 35.5 (-108)

Who Scores First?

Carolina Panthers	-115
Arizona Cardinals	-110

Hall of Fame Game Specials

1+ Passing Touchdown	-295
100+ Rushing Yards	-235
1+ Rushing Touchdown	-155
125+ Rushing Yards	-105

1+ Passing Touchdown	-260
100+ Rushing Yards	-200
1+ Rushing Touchdown	-110
125+ Rushing Yards	+135

Source

Getting the No. 1 seed is every team’s first step towards winning the Super Bowl. 

Since 2013, six of the 13 Super Bowl winners have been the top seed in their respective conference. 

So with that, let’s check out the No. 1 seed odds for both the AFC and NFC at DraftKings Sportsbook as of Aug. 6. 

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

No. 1 SEED ODDS

AFC 

The Ravens are the +400 favorites to get the AFC’s No. 1 seed in 2026 (Mark Alberti/Getty Images).

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Baltimore Ravens: +400 (bet $10 to win $50 total)
Buffalo Bills: +530 (bet $10 to win $63 total)
New England Patriots: +780 (bet $10 to win $88 total)
Kansas City Chiefs: +780 (bet $10 to win $88 total)
Cincinnati Bengals: +820 (bet $10 to win $92 total)
Houston Texans: +850 (bet $10 to win $95 total)
Los Angeles Chargers: +920 (bet $10 to win $102 total)
Denver Broncos: +1100 (bet $10 to win $120 total)
Jacksonville Jaguars: +1800 (bet $10 to win $190 total)
Pittsburgh Steelers: +2100 (bet $10 to win $220 total)
Indianapolis Colts: +2700 (bet $10 to win $280 total)
Tennessee Titans: +6500 (bet $10 to win $660 total)
Cleveland Browns: +8000 (bet $10 to win $810 total)
Las Vegas Raiders: +9000 (bet $10 to win $910 total)
New York Jets: +10000 (bet $10 to win $1,010 total)
Miami Dolphins: +15000 (bet $10 to win $1,510 total)

WHAT TO KNOW: Last season, the Broncos earned the AFC’s No. 1 seed before falling to the Patriots in heartbreaking fashion in the AFC Championship Game. In 2022 and 2024, the Chiefs claimed the conference’s top seed and reached the Super Bowl both times. In 2023, the Ravens went 13-4 to secure the No. 1 seed but were eliminated by Kansas City in the AFC Championship Game. Heading into 2026, Baltimore is favored to finish atop the AFC once again. The Ravens have been one of the NFL’s best regular-season teams during Lamar Jackson’s tenure, posting a 76-31 record since he became the starting quarterback. That success, however, has yet to translate into the postseason. In the first season under head coach Jesse Minter, Jackson is expected to be fully healthy after an injury-plagued 2025 campaign, joining an improved defense that features the addition of Trey Hendrickson. 

NFC

The Seahawks had the best record in the NFC in 2025 (Steph Chambers/Getty Images).

–>

Rams: +305 (bet $10 to win $40.50 total)
Seahawks: +590 (bet $10 to win $69 total)
Eagles: +750 (bet $10 to win $85 total)
Lions: +790 (bet $10 to win $89 total)
Packers: +880 (bet $10 to win $98 total)
49ers: +900 (bet $10 to win $100 total)
Bears: +1200 (bet $10 to win $130 total)
Cowboys: +1550 (bet $10 to win $165 total)
Vikings: +2200 (bet $10 to win $230 total)
Buccaneers:+2400 (bet $10 to win $250 total)
Commanders: +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total)
Saints: +3800 (bet $10 to win $390 total)
Giants: +3900 (bet $10 to win $400 total)
Panthers: +4100 (bet $10 to win $420 total)
Falcons: +6500 (bet $10 to win $660 total)
Cardinals: +30000 (bet $10 to win $3,010 total)

WHAT TO KNOW: The Seahawks earned the NFC’s No. 1 seed in 2025 as home-field advantage helped propel Seattle to a Lombardi Trophy. In 2024, the Lions finished 15-2 to secure the conference’s top seed but were upset at home in the divisional round. In 2022 and 2023, the Eagles and 49ers each claimed the No. 1 seed and advanced to the Super Bowl before losing to the Chiefs. Meanwhile, in 2026, the Rams enter as the favorites to finish atop the NFC. Los Angeles had the conference’s second-best record last season, trailing only Seattle, but was the No. 5 seed after finishing second in the NFC West. Now, with the additions of Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie, the Rams are poised for another run and will be looking to turn the tables on the Seahawks in 2026.

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