AGA survey suggests US population views prediction markets as betting

AGA survey suggests US population views prediction markets as betting

Summary

A YouGov survey commissioned by the American Gaming Association (AGA) of 2,025 registered US voters finds strong public sentiment that prediction markets for sports events resemble traditional gambling rather than financial instruments.

The poll reports 85% of respondents view sports event contracts as more like betting, with a large majority saying such platforms should be regulated and licenced like online sportsbooks. The AGA is urging enforcement by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and Congressional oversight to prevent these markets from operating as ‘backdoor’ sportsbooks.

Key Points

• 85% of surveyed voters said sports event contracts are more like gambling than a financial product.
• Four in five respondents want prediction markets regulated like online sportsbooks.
• 84% said companies offering sports event contracts should be required to obtain sportsbook licences in the states where they operate.
• Around 70% believe platforms are exploiting regulatory loopholes to act as unlicensed sportsbooks.
• 69% said residents in each state should have a say on whether these contracts are offered locally.
• 65% prefer state and tribal regulators to oversee these markets rather than the federal CFTC.
• 64% expect regulators and operators to provide responsible-gambling safeguards for consumers.

Context and relevance

The survey arrives amid rising debate over platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket and whether prediction markets fall under gambling or financial regulation. The results strengthen the AGA’s case for state-led oversight and licencing, and add political pressure on federal regulators and lawmakers. For operators, regulators and policy advisers, this signals public backing for clearer rules and consumer protections.

Why should I read this?

If you work in betting, regulation or run a prediction-market product, this matters — quickly. The public wants these markets treated like sportsbooks, and that could mean new state licencing requirements and tighter oversight. We read it so you don’t have to — short, sharp and relevant to anyone tracking regulatory risk in wagering and fintech.

Source

Source: https://next.io/news/betting/aga-survey-prediction-markets-betting/