Prediction market operator Kalshi has released polling data indicating widespread public support for continued access to prediction markets under federal regulation, as part of what appears to be a lobbying effort amid ongoing regulatory disputes.
The polling, conducted by Axis Research between 18 - 23 September 2025, surveyed 1,219 voters nationwide with proportionate distribution across demographic variables.
According to the data, 89% of respondents agreed that Americans should have access to prediction markets, with 70% supporting the ability to invest in specific outcomes such as elections or agricultural futures.
The survey emphasized jurisdictional preferences, finding that 79% of voters believe federal regulators should oversee these activities rather than state gaming commissions.
Additionally, 89% of respondents characterized participation in stocks, mutual funds and commodities markets as "financial investment" rather than gambling.
Commenting on these results, Kalshi's Head of Corporate Development, Sara Slane, stated: "Americans want access to prediction markets reliably regulated by financial experts in the federal government, not 50 different ill-equipped state gaming commissions.
"American voters want the freedom to choose how to invest their own money without state-level bureaucrats interfering. The current federal regulatory structure is best equipped to oversee this financial activity, not an unpredictable state regulatory patchwork.
"Kalshi supports this vision - every American, no matter where they live, should be able to make financial decisions for themselves without state casino regulators getting in the way."
The polling release comes amid legal tensions between Kalshi and state regulators, most notably the New York State Gaming Commission, which issued a cease-and-desist letter to the platform in October.
Kalshi has filed a lawsuit arguing that federal CFTC regulation preempts state authority over its contracts.
Despite such legal tensions, the prediction markets sector has seen increased mainstream integration recently, with Google Finance incorporating Kalshi and Polymarket data into its platform, and both operators securing official partnerships with the National Hockey League.
Elsewhere in prediction markets, DraftKings recently discussed its plans within the sector - following the recent Railbird acquisition and major partnership with ESPN.
Prediction markets like Kalshi are regulated by the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the same federal agency that oversees trading in commodities such as oil, gold and agricultural futures
