The 2026 NFL Draft starts at 8 p.m. ET from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania today, Thursday, April 23, 2026. Pennsylvania residents or travelers visiting Pittsburgh are unable to bet on the NFL Draft. I'm here to answer the question of "why can't I bet on the NFL Draft in Pennsylvania?".
Additionally, I'm here to provide alternatives to Pennsylvania sports betting in the form of prediction market apps. Without any further ado, let's dive into why you can't bet on the NFL Draft in Pennsylvania.
Why Can't I Bet on the NFL Draft in Pennsylvania?
Online sports betting is legal in the Keystone State, but that isn't why you can't bet on the NFL Draft. The reason to your question "why can't I bet on the NFL Draft in Pennsylvania?" is due to a ruling by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB)
The PGCB only allows bettors to wager on sporting events, which qualify as real competitions or games on a field, court, rink, etc. Since the NFL Draft qualifies as a decision-making event where outcomes aren't dictated by real gameplay, betting on this event is prohibited.
How to Watch the NFL Draft
- Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- Channels: ABC, ESPN, NFL Network
- Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Can't Bet on NFL Draft in Pennsylvania? Use Prediction Market Apps Now
Now that you know the answer to "why can't I bet on the NFL Draft in Pennsylvania?", it's time to use alternative methods. Prediction market apps differ from online sports betting, and offer you a way to predict the outcome of the NFL Draft. Here are my favorite prediction markets I encourage you to sign up with today.
Polymarket Promo Code ACTION
Sign up first with the Polymarket promo code ACTION to bypass the waitlist. Polymarket provides $20 in bonuses once you deposit $20. Place your first trade on who you think gets picked at a particular spot, or what team a specific prospect lands on.
It's important you remember to use the Polymarket invite code ACTION, as this is how you jump ahead in the waitlist and get to trade on the first round of the NFL Draft this evening.
Kalshi Promo Code ACTION
Next, register with the Kalshi promo code ACTION to net a $10 welcome bonus on one of the top prediction markets. Trade $10 once you create your new account to pocket $10 in bonus cash, which can be used on the NFL Draft.
Trade on prediction markets how many quarterbacks get drafted in the first round, where players like Jeremiyah Love land, when the first cornerback comes off the board and more.
Novig Promo Code ACTION
Last but not least, utilize the Action Network Novig promo code ACTION to net a $50 new user bonus. Sign up and trade $5 on the 2026 NFL Draft to trigger $50 worth of Novig Coins.
Novig Coins are exclusively able to be used on additional NFL prediction markets. You cannot withdraw Novig Coins as cash. Novig Cash is the form of currency you must use in order to play for real money.
Preview Kalshi Odds on These NFL Prospects
Action Network has previewed Kalshi odds on some of the biggest names in the 2026 NFL Draft. Read up on their projected landing spots in the following stories:
- Jeremiyah Love NFL Draft odds
- Sonny Styles vs. Caleb Downs NFL Draft odds
- Arvell Reese vs. David Bailey NFL Draft odds
2026 NFL Draft Order
Preview the first round order of the NFL Draft below. Fernando Mendoza (-20000) is the favorite on online sportsbooks and prediction markets alike to be number one overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders.
- Las Vegas Raiders
- New York Jets
- Arizona Cardinals
- Tennessee Titans
- New York Giants
- Cleveland Browns
- Washington Commanders
- New Orleans Saints
- Kansas City Chiefs
- New York Giants
- Miami Dolphins
- Dallas Cowboys
- Los Angeles Rams
- Baltimore Ravens
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- New York Jets
- Detroit Lions
- Minnesota Vikings
- Carolina Panthers
- Dallas Cowboys
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Cleveland Browns
- Chicago Bears
- Buffalo Bills
- San Francisco 49ers
- Houston Texans
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Miami Dolphins
- New England Patriots
- Seattle Seahawks
