Comment Text:
Dear Chairman and Commissioners,
My name is Tiairah Robinson, and I'm just an everyday citizen from New York writing to share my thoughts on the Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Prediction Markets, as published in 91 FR 12516. I'm pretty new to prediction markets, but I've already seen how useful they can be, and I strongly support having them regulated in a fair way, not banned or overly restricted.
I started dabbling in prediction markets to make small bits of extra cash, usually putting out a few dollars here and there to maybe earn $7 to $20. Its not much, but it helps me manage my savings a little better. What got me interested was how these markets often predict things like election outcomes or other big public events way more accurately than polls or TV pundits. Ive noticed that the prices on these platforms seem to cut through a lot of the noise and guesswork I see elsewhere. That kind of information isnt just helpful for me, its valuable for everyone, whether they trade or not.
I also believe that regular people like me should have the freedom to participate in legal, regulated markets. Platforms like Kalshi, which are under CFTC oversight, feel a lot safer than some shady offshore sites Ive heard about. If you make it too hard to trade on regulated platforms, people will just go to those unregulated places, and thats worse for everyone. Plus, Ive read how prediction markets let individuals and even businesses hedge against real risks, like election results affecting taxes or policies that hit small businesses. Its not gambling, its a tool, just like investing in stocks.
I want to touch on a couple of specific questions from the ANPR. On Question 7, about balancing innovation and consumer protection, I think regulated prediction markets are a win for both. They give us new ways to understand the world while keeping things safe under CFTC rules. And on Question 15, about defining whats allowed, I dont think these markets should be called gaming. Theyre about research and real-world judgment. One last thing, it frustrates me when I hear stories of platforms not paying out to customers who made correct predictions. Thats just wrong. Stop letting companies steal money from people who got it right.
Im asking you to support proportionate regulation of prediction markets. Dont shut them down or make rules so strict that only big players can participate. Keep them open to everyday folks like me, under fair oversight, so we can benefit from better forecasts and a way to manage risks. Thank you for considering my views.
Sincerely,
Tiairah Robinson
