A new poll released by Axis Research on Monday indicated that 9 out of 10 American voters want to have access to prediction markets in their current form and regulatory structure. Kalshi said the results indicate voters are dubious of efforts by state gaming commissions to limit their access.
Axis Research surveyed 1,219 voters nationwide, with a proportionate distribution across gender, age, ethnicity, and political affiliation variables. 89% of the respondents agreed with the statement “Even if I don’t participate in these types of markets, I believe all Americans should have access and the option to decide for themselves.”
An overwhelming majority of the respondents also indicated Americans should be able to invest in specific outcomes, such as the outcome of an election or agricultural futures. The support in the poll was widely bipartisan, with 75% of Republicans and 71% of Democrats in favor, and was consistent across income brackets.
Currently prediction markets are regulated under federal jurisdiction by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission. However, the American Gaming Association has explicitly voiced opposition to sports event contracts offered by prediction market firms like Kalshi (KALSHI) and Polymarket (POLYMARKET), warning they may undermine regulated online sports betting and consumer protections. The Nevada Gaming Control Board has also issued strong warnings, telling licensed gambling operators they could risk fines, suspensions, or loss of their licenses if they partner with prediction market platforms.
Online sports betting companies have been on the move recently regarding prediction markets. DraftKings (DKNG) acquired Railbird, a CFTC-licensed prediction market platform. With the move, DraftKings (DKNG) also announced a partnership with Polymarket (POLYMARKET), which will act as the designated clearinghouse for its new prediction market product, making it possible to settle contracts and leverage Web3 infrastructure. Meanwhile, FanDuel (FLUT) partnered with CME Group (CME), the world’s largest derivatives marketplace, to create an event contracts platform in the U.S. aimed at letting users wager on financial indicators like gold, oil, S&P 500 performance, and macroeconomic data.
In the financial services world, Robinhood Markets (HOOD) has partnered with Kalshi (KALSHI) to introduce betting markets to its user base.