Comment Text:
Dear Chairman and Commissioners,
My name is Lillian Wojeck, and I'm a student from Colorado writing to share my thoughts on the Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Prediction Markets, as published in 91 FR 12516. Ive been actively trading on platforms like Kalshi, and while I see real value in prediction markets, I also have serious concerns about how theyre operating right now. I want to support regulated markets, but only if the rules are strict enough to protect regular people like me from being taken advantage of.
I believe prediction markets can be useful. They offer unique information through prices that often predict outcomes better than polls or so-called experts. As a student, I find this data helpful for understanding complex events, and Ive used these markets to hedge personal financial risks tied to economic or political outcomes. For example, betting on interest rate changes helps me think through how they might impact my student loans or future job prospects. But lets be honest, the way these markets run now is often predatory. Ive seen firsthand how easy it is for uninformed people to get sucked in and lose money they cant afford to lose. Its disgusting to watch some of the idiots in power or with inside knowledge exploit regular folks who dont know any better.
I also think the U.S. needs to take the lead on financial innovation. We cant let other countries outpace us by stifling these markets with overreaching bans. But leadership doesnt mean a free-for-all. Platforms like Kalshi need heavy regulation to stop insider trading and fraud, which have been problems for way too long. Im sick of seeing these markets prey on the vulnerable, and I dont trust them as they stand. Addressing your questions on inside information, like in numbers 29 to 32, I think informed traders can help with price discovery, but only if there are ironclad rules to prevent abuse by federal officials or others with nonpublic info. And on public interest, from questions 7 to 14, I believe the CFTC has to prioritize consumer protection over unchecked innovation. Screw the idea of letting these markets run wild just because theyre new.
Im asking you to craft rules that allow prediction markets to exist but clamp down hard on manipulation and exploitation. Dont ban them outright, because that just pushes trading to shady offshore sites. Instead, make the regulations tough and enforceable. Protect real people who are trying to use these tools responsibly. Thats the balance we need.
Thank you for considering my perspective.
Sincerely,
Lillian Wojeck
