Exclusive-Most Americans oppose betting on elections, government events, Reuters/Ipsos poll finds

A Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll indicates that most Americans oppose using prediction markets to bet on US elections and other government actions. The rapidly growing prediction market industry, led by companies like Polymarket and Kalshi, allows people to bet on various events, including elections, policy moves, and sports games. However, a bipartisan majority of Americans opposes using prediction markets for these purposes, with 69% of Democrats and 61% of Republicans expressing opposition to betting on election results.

Sixty-five percent of Americans are against betting on US military actions, and 63% oppose betting on government policy announcements or decisions. Only 8% and 9%, respectively, support such bets. The poll suggests that Americans are generally uneasy about commoditizing real-world events, even though betting on professional sports, a more established activity, received less opposition (43% opposed, 29% supported).

Some policymakers are concerned that prediction markets could undermine faith in US democracy and enable government insiders to share confidential information. Trump's administration is pursuing federal regulations for the industry, but states argue that prediction markets should be subject to stricter state laws.