Comment Text:
Dear Chairman and Commissioners,
My name is Tailix Lewis, and I'm just a regular citizen from Colorado writing to share my thoughts on the Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Prediction Markets, as published in 91 FR 12516. I've been actively trading on platforms like Kalshi for a while now, and I strongly support the idea of well-regulated prediction markets. I want to explain why I think theyre valuable and why the CFTC should focus on smart regulation instead of heavy restrictions or bans.
I got into prediction markets because they give me a way to engage with real-world events in a meaningful way. Whether it's an election outcome that might affect my taxes or a Federal Reserve decision that could impact my cost of living, trading on these platforms helps me hedge against uncertainty. This isn't gambling to me. It takes research and judgment, much like investing in stocks. I spend time reading up on policies and economic trends before making a trade. Labeling event contracts as "gaming" feels wrong when they serve a real economic purpose for people like me.
I also value my freedom to participate in legal, regulated markets. Platforms like Kalshi operate under CFTC oversight, which makes me feel safer knowing there are rules in place. I've heard about unregulated offshore platforms, and I wouldn't touch them with a ten-foot pole. If the CFTC over-restricts or bans prediction markets here, people will just go to those shady sites instead. That pushes activity out of reach of U.S. regulators and makes things less safe for everyone. I'd much rather see the CFTC keep markets like Kalshi strong and accessible with clear rules.
Speaking to some of your specific questions, like those in the Public Interest section (Questions 7-14), I think regulated prediction markets strike a good balance between innovation and consumer protection. They let regular folks like me participate while having safeguards in place. And on the topic of manipulation and insider trading from Questions 29-32, I believe the CFTC already has solid tools to tackle bad actors. There's no need to ban entire markets to stop a few cheaters. Just enforce the laws youve got.
I'm asking you to support proportionate regulation of prediction markets. Don't ban them or pile on restrictions that push people offshore. Keep these markets open, safe, and accessible for everyday citizens like me who find real value in them. Thank you for taking the time to read my comment and consider my perspective.
Sincerely,
Tailix Lewis
