Poll finds public wary as political betting markets surge

A POLITICO-Public First poll shows 44% of U.S. adults believe betting on election outcomes should be illegal, signaling public discomfort with the rapid growth of political prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket. Proponents say these markets provide real-time information and hedging tools, while critics warn that wealthy bets could threaten democracy; about $700 million has already traded on 2028 election markets, and younger adults show more interest, even as regulators and lawmakers scrutinize the industry.