Political betting is hotter than ever in 2025—from the early 2028 presidential chatter to the midterm meltdowns down the road. Whether you're trading for insight or fun, picking the right platform matters.
1. PredictIt — The Established U.S. Mainstay
PredictIt remains one of the best-regulated political betting platforms in the U.S., with a history that dates back further than most prediction markets. With renewed legal affirmation and updated trading caps, it continues to serve a core community of consistent traders.
Best for: Analysts and long-term bettors looking for a mature, stable marketplace.
2. Kalshi — Regulated, Scalable, and Transparent
Why it matters: Kalshi provides CFTC-backed contracts for political events, making it one of the most trustworthy prediction platforms today. Kalshi stands out for being fully regulated by the CFTC and offers flexible contract trading in Yes/No format.
Best for: Serious traders who want institutional-grade regulation and tools. Fees are generally lower than PredictIt's fees.
3. Polymarket — Crypto-Powered and Re-entering the U.S. Stage
Why it matters: Polymarket is making a regulatory comeback by acquiring a U.S.-licensed derivatives exchange, re-establishing itself as a top contender in prediction markets. Polymarket surged during the 2024 election, drawing massive trading volume. In mid-July 2025, both the DOJ and CFTC dropped investigations against it. Since then, Polymarket acquired QCX — a CFTC‑licensed derivatives exchange — for $112 million, paving its return to the U.S.
Best for: Traders outside the United States.
4. Robinhood (via Kalshi) — Smoothest Access for Retailers
Why it matters: Robinhood's Kalshi-powered political markets bring mainstream simplicity to prediction trading. Robinhood's integration of Kalshi contracts makes political betting just a few taps away for its vast user base.
Best for: Newcomers or casual traders who prioritize ease-of-use.
5. Traditional Sportsbooks — Familiar but Limited
Why it matters: Sportsbooks can offer quick political bets, but they lack the market-based pricing of prediction markets. Sportsbooks like BetOnline occasionally offer political lines, though these are set by the sportsbooks, rather than individuals in a marketplace.
Best for: Users who already bet on sports and want a simple diversion.
Quick Comparison Table
| Platform | Regulation | Highlights | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| PredictIt | U.S.-approved carve-out | Deep history, established U.S. infrastructure | Political purists |
| Kalshi | Fully CFTC-regulated | High limits, clear structure | Serious, compliance-first traders |
| Polymarket | Returning with U.S. license | Massive crypto liquidity, now legally compliant | Crypto traders, liquidity seekers |
| Robinhood (via Kalshi) | Regulated | Seamless integration, minimal friction | Novices, casual users |
| Sportsbooks | Varies by region | Easy interface, promos, but limited options | Hobbyist bettors |