Most Americans Oppose Betting on Elections, Reuters Poll Finds

Most Americans polled by Reuters/Ipsos oppose betting on US elections and other government actions. The survey of 4,506 adults, taken Sept. 30 to Oct. 5, found that 69% of Democrats and 61% of Republicans are against using prediction markets to wager on election results. Even betting on professional sports drew opposition from 43% of respondents, while 29% supported it. The prediction market industry, led by Polymarket and Kalshi, lets people bet on elections, government policy moves and sporting events.

Prediction Market Regulation and Legal Fight

The industry’s growth has triggered a string of lawsuits involving state and federal agencies over who has the authority to regulate these markets. President Donald Trump’s administration is pursuing federal rules through the CFTC, and several states are challenging some of them in court. Many expect the dispute to reach the US Supreme Court.

States Warn of a National Turf War

On Oct. 8, 39 states and the District of Columbia filed an amicus brief in a New Jersey case arguing that the clash between the CFTC and state authorities has created a national turf war over prediction markets.