FanDuel, DraftKings Eye Super Bowl ‘Combos’ In Non-Betting States
Summary
CME Group has filed with the CFTC to list multi-leg “Pro Football Championship Combo” contracts — essentially three-leg parlays — using the CFTC’s self-certification process. Those derivative-style prediction market contracts can be offered under federal law, which lets operators reach users in states where traditional sports betting is illegal. FanDuel and DraftKings are preparing to use prediction-market products to offer Super Bowl-style parlays (combos) through their prediction platforms, potentially extending access to casual bettors nationwide ahead of the Super Bowl on 8 February 2026.
The filing example bundles a team win, a player touchdown, and an over/under game total into one trade. Initial rollouts will likely use fixed, pre-built combinations rather than fully custom bet builders because open-ended builders demand continuous pricing and liquidity solutions that exchanges have not fully detailed. Major industry players (Kalshi, Railbird, CME, FanDuel/Flutter, DraftKings) are positioning for this market, and analysts say prediction markets could make sports wagering effectively available nationwide, which may spur more states to legalise to capture tax revenue.
Key Points
- CME filed to list multi-leg “Pro Football Championship Combo” contracts with the CFTC using self-certification.
- The proposed combos function like three-leg parlays: team result + player prop + game total.
- Prediction markets operate under federal derivatives law, so they can be offered in states that ban traditional sportsbooks — a legal flashpoint.
- Initial offerings will probably be fixed, pre-built combos rather than fully custom bet builders due to pricing and liquidity challenges.
- Operators (FanDuel, DraftKings) are using prediction platforms to reach bettors in non-betting states ahead of the Super Bowl, which could accelerate calls to legalise sports betting for tax revenue.
Why should I read this?
Because this is where the industry is trying to sneak the parlay you love into places where sportsbooks can’t operate — clever, slightly controversial, and could change who can bet and where. If you care about sports-betting access, state law, or the Super Bowl betting market, this short read tells you what to expect and why it matters this February.
Context and Relevance
The Super Bowl is the year’s biggest betting event and parlays/player props drive a large share of revenue and handle. Prediction markets have grown fast — Kalshi surged after partnerships and heavy sports volume — prompting big sportsbook brands to launch competing prediction products. Because these contracts fall under federal derivatives rules rather than state gaming law, they are being contested in multiple states and could force a policy shift: if residents can legally use prediction markets, state governments may move to legalise and tax traditional sports betting instead of ceding the market.
Strategically, prediction-market combos let FanDuel and DraftKings offer their most lucrative bet type to casual bettors in non-betting states, potentially changing customer acquisition and putting pressure on regulators and lawmakers. Analysts view this as a catalyst for wider legalisation and for states to pursue tax revenue from sports wagering.