Robinhood Pulls Plug on Super Bowl Betting

Robinhood Derivatives, LLC (RHD) was forced to suspend its newly launched Super Bowl betting contracts on this week following a directive from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

The CFTC expressed concerns over the legality of these sports event contracts under current regulations, leading to their immediate withdrawal from the market. This decision came only a day after the contracts were introduced, causing disappointment among users and igniting discussions on the regulatory framework for event-based betting.

The move by Robinhood underscores the ongoing tension between financial innovation and regulatory compliance in the gambling and financial sectors.

The company estimates about 1% of its customers were rolled into the new product. Robinhood said it's aiming to provide an option to these customers to close their positions or take them to resolution.

"We are disappointed by this outcome, especially given that we had been in regular communication with the CFTC about our intent and plans to offer this product. We’ve also taken steps to advocate for balanced regulation in the futures and derivatives markets, including participating directly in a CFTC roundtable, providing written feedback to the CFTC, and generally championing the economic benefits of event contracts," Robinhood said in a statement.

Shares of Robinhood shook off the news, gaining 1% by midday trading.