Who takes the Grammys? Birds of a Feather (56% chances based on public trades) or Not Like Us (19%)? Would you back Philadelphia or Kansas City as the next Pro Football Champion?
Imagine being able to trade on the outcome of real-world events, like whether interest rates will rise or if a hurricane will hit the East Coast. That’s exactly what Kalshi (from New York) allows you to do. It’s a unique platform regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), which means it’s completely legal and operates like a financial exchange rather than a betting site.
What is Kalshi?
Kalshi offers something called event contracts. “And it is not betting, but more like a “would you bet game,” says Alex Kostin from NY.Bet. These are simple “Yes” or “No” trades on whether something will happen. If you predict correctly, you make money. If not, you lose the cost of your trade. It’s like putting your knowledge, opinions, or even gut feelings about future events to work.
Kalshi App Key Features – 2025 Review
The Kalshi app is available for Android and iOS phones, and it has 100K+ downloads with an average rating of 4.2 stars.
| Regulation | The first fully legal and CFTC-regulated prediction market in the U.S. NJ, NY included. Visit Kalshi.com |
| What You Can Trade On | U.S. elections, Oscars, Bitcoin, weather events, and more |
| Trading Flexibility | Buy and sell shares at Kalshi with high liquidity for trades ranging from $1 to $100M |
| Earn Interest | Earn 3.95% APY on cash and positions, helping grow your portfolio with variable rates |
| Kalshi Account Setup | Open your account for free with flexible funding options |
| Funding Methods | Add cash via bank transfer, debit card, crypto (USDC), or wire transfer |
How Does Kalshi Work?
Kalshi’s process is simple. You choose a market, decide if you think the event will happen (“Yes”) or not (“No”), and buy contracts based on your prediction. The price of a contract is between $0 and $1, reflecting the probability of the event. If you’re right, the contract pays out $1. If you’re wrong, you get $0.
Let’s break it down with a real example:
- Market: Will inflation exceed 3.5% this quarter?
- The market price for “Yes” is $0.65, meaning the market believes there’s a 65% chance of this happening.
- If you buy 10 contracts for $0.65 each (total cost $6.50) and inflation does go above 3.5%, you’ll earn $10. That’s a profit of $3.50 minus small fees.
It’s that straightforward. Kalshi is designed to be easy to use, whether you’re a first-timer or someone with trading experience.
What Can You Trade on Kalshi?
Kalshi offers a variety of markets, so there’s something for everyone. Here are a few categories and examples:
Politics
Politics is one of the most popular categories. You can trade on questions like:
- Will Congress pass a budget by the end of the year?
- Will [candidate] win the next election?
If you’re someone who closely follows political news, this is a great way to use your knowledge.
Sports
Are you a big sports fan? Kalshi lets you trade on outcomes, and it is not a sports betting, like:
- Will the Philadelphia Eagles win their next game?
- Which team will win the NFL Championship?
It’s like taking your sports predictions to the next level, and it adds an extra layer of excitement to game day.
Economy
Worried about inflation or unemployment? Kalshi has markets for those too:
- Will the Federal Reserve raise interest rates next month?
- Will unemployment rise above 5% this year?
These markets are great if you’re someone who keeps an eye on the economy or wants to hedge against financial risks.
Climate
For those interested in weather and the environment, Kalshi offers:
- Will New York City record more than 10 inches of snowfall this winter?
- Will a named hurricane hit Florida this season?
These markets are particularly useful for businesses or individuals affected by extreme weather.
Technology
Love tech? Kalshi lets you trade on the latest advancements:
- Will Bitcoin exceed $100,000 by the end of the year?
- Will AI surpass human intelligence by 2030?
These markets are a fun way to speculate on the future of technology.
Kalshi vs. Traditional Online Sports Betting: The Key Differences
Kalshi is fundamentally different from traditional online sports betting platforms. While both involve predicting outcomes, Kalshi operates as a regulated financial exchange, overseen by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). This regulation ensures strict compliance, transparency, and security—something most sports betting platforms can’t offer, as they often operate under varying state laws or in legal gray areas. Kalshi focuses on event contracts, where you buy “Yes” or “No” positions on real-world questions, while sports betting revolves around odds set by bookmakers.
Another big difference is the scope of markets. Sports betting platforms are exclusively focused on sports, offering wagers on game outcomes, player stats, and spreads. Kalshi, on the other hand, offers markets on a much wider range of topics. Alongside sports events like “Will the Philadelphia Eagles win their next game?” you’ll find contracts on politics, economics, climate, and more. For example, you could trade on “Will inflation exceed 3.5% this quarter?” or “Will the U.S. unemployment rate rise above 5% this year?” This unique combination makes Kalshi more than just an online platform for sports fans—it’s a tool for engaging with global events in a structured and regulated way.
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What You Can Do with Kalshi’s Sports Markets
Kalshi’s sports markets are designed to make predicting outcomes simple and engaging. For example, you can trade on questions like “Will the Kansas City Chiefs win their next game?” If the price for “Yes” is $0.65, it reflects the market’s belief that there’s a 65% chance they’ll win. You can buy 10 contracts at $0.65 each, and if the Chiefs win, you earn $10 (a $3.50 profit, minus small fees). If they lose, you forfeit your $6.50 investment. It’s a straightforward way to use your sports knowledge while benefiting from Kalshi’s transparent pricing system.
Kalshi also lets you participate in longer-term sports predictions, which traditional sports betting rarely offers. For instance, you can trade on questions like “Will the Boston Celtics win the NBA Championship?” or “Will a U.S. team win the FIFA World Cup by 2026?” These markets allow for deeper analysis and strategic planning, making Kalshi a great choice for sports enthusiasts who want to think beyond single-game bets. Unlike traditional sportsbooks, Kalshi combines the thrill of sports predictions with a regulated, market-driven approach that’s perfect for casual users and experienced traders alike.
How to Get Started on Kalshi
Getting started is simple:
- Sign Up: Create an account and verify your identity (a legal requirement).
- Fund Your Account: Deposit money using secure payment options.
- Pick a Market: Browse categories and select a question you’re interested in.
- Buy Contracts: Choose “Yes” or “No” based on your prediction and purchase contracts.
Let’s say you think inflation will exceed 3.5%. You buy 20 “Yes” contracts at $0.70 each. If you’re correct, you’ll earn $20.
Is Kalshi Legal At All in the USA?
Yes! Kalshi is legal in the U.S. and regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). However, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old (21 in some states).
- Live in a state where Kalshi operates legally.
- Complete identity verification during registration.
What can you do with the Kalshi.com app?
Hedging Risks: If you’re worried about inflation, you can trade on related markets to offset financial losses.
Capitalizing on Knowledge: Are you an expert in politics or sports? Use that knowledge to make money.
Gaining Insights: Even if you don’t trade, Kalshi’s market prices offer a unique way to gauge public sentiment about various topics.
Kalshi’s Support and Bonuses
Kalshi offers excellent customer support through email and an online Help Center. They also run occasional promotions, like Daily Free Picks, where you can win prizes without spending any money. Keep an eye out for Profit Boosts, which increase your potential payouts on select markets.
Kalshi is more than just a platform—it’s a way to turn your opinions into opportunities. Whether you’re a casual observer or someone deeply invested in current events, Kalshi offers a unique and legal way to engage with the world around you.
