Comment Text:
Dear Chairman and Commissioners,
My name is Enzo Quinonez, and I'm just a regular guy from Georgia writing to share my thoughts on the Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Prediction Markets, as published in 91 FR 12516. I'm not an expert or anything, but Ive used prediction markets a few times, and I think theyre worth supporting with fair rules, not heavy-handed restrictions.
To be honest, I find it kind of funny how we use money sometimes. Well spend it on lottery tickets or fantasy sports without a second thought, but when it comes to something like prediction markets, which actually takes some research and thought, people start calling it gambling. I dont see it that way. When Ive traded on these platforms, I had to read up on events, think about whats likely to happen, and make a judgment call. Its not just luck. Its a way to put my money where my mouth is on things I care about or think I understand. And the information you get from the prices? Its stuff you cant find in polls or news sometimes. I think thats valuable for everyone, not just traders.
What I really care about here is the freedom to participate in legal, regulated markets. Ive used platforms like Kalshi, and I feel a lot safer knowing theres oversight and rules in place. If you ban or over-restrict these markets, people like me arent going to just stop. Well end up on unregulated offshore sites where theres no protection at all. Thats not better for anyone. Id much rather see the CFTC keep these markets in the US, under your watch, where you can make sure things are fair and transparent. Doesnt that make more sense than pushing activity somewhere you cant control?
I noticed in your questions, specifically Question 7 under Public Interest, youre asking about balancing innovation with consumer protection. I think regulated prediction markets hit that balance. They let regular folks like me get involved, learn about the world, and maybe even hedge a little risk, while still having guardrails to prevent fraud or manipulation. And on Question 29 about inside information, I get the concern, but isnt that already illegal? Why punish everyone by shutting down markets when you can just enforce the laws youve already got?
Im asking you to support proportionate regulation for prediction markets. Dont ban them or make the rules so tight that only big players can participate. Keep platforms like Kalshi accessible to everyday people like me, under your supervision, so were not forced to less safe options. Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Sincerely,
Enzo Quinonez
