Comment Text:
Dear Chairman and Commissioners,
My name is David Clark, and I'm just an everyday citizen from Ohio 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 a big trader, just someone who believes in fair opportunities and keeping America ahead in innovation. I've only recently learned about prediction markets, but I strongly support their existence under sensible regulation, and I wanted to weigh in before the April 30, 2026, deadline.
I think prediction markets are a good thing for people like me. They offer a chance to participate in something that isn't just for Wall Street insiders or big institutions. I value the freedom to take part in legal, regulated markets where regular folks can have a say and maybe even benefit from the information these platforms provide. It's not about gambling to me; it's about having access to unique insights on events that affect my life, whether it's an election or an economic decision. If only the big players get to trade, all that valuable information stays locked up with them. That doesn't seem right.
I'm also worried about the US falling behind. We should be leading the way in financial innovation, not handing the advantage to other countries by over-restricting or banning these markets. If we push prediction markets offshore with heavy-handed rules, regular Americans lose access to safe, regulated platforms. I've read a bit about how other places are embracing this technology, and I don't want to see us left out.
I understand there are concerns about manipulation or insider trading, and those are real issues. But I don't think the answer is to ban whole categories of contracts or shut down markets. Broad bans punish everyone instead of targeting the bad actors. The CFTC already has tools to go after manipulation and fraud in other markets, so why not adapt those for prediction markets? I'm particularly drawn to your questions 7 and 33 in the ANPR, about balancing innovation with consumer protection and the costs of regulation. I think proportionate, targeted rules are the way to go, focusing on specific risks without killing off a promising industry.
I hope you'll consider voices like mine when making your decision. Please support well-regulated prediction markets that allow everyday people to participate and keep the US competitive. Don't let broad restrictions or bans take that away from us.
Sincerely,
David Clark
