Best Sites for Political Betting

When it comes to political betting in the U.S., things aren’t exactly simple. You won’t find election odds on major sportsbooks like DraftKings or FanDuel, as federal law keeps political betting off most traditional sports betting platforms.

That said, legal options do exist. Enter prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket, where users buy and sell event contracts tied to real-world outcomes — from the presidential election to the Canadian federal election, and more. Unlike a standard sportsbook, these political betting markets are shaped by traders, not the house, making the betting odds calculated through crowd consensus.

Still confused? Don't worry. Today, we’ll walk through the best sites for political betting in the US, compare platforms, and show you where you’ll find the most competitive election odds, whether you're going through political prediction markets, tracking global political events, or getting into trending election betting markets.

Quick Glossary: Know These Terms Before You Get Into Election Betting Markets

You don’t need to be a pro when it comes to political betting election odds, but knowing these helps:

• Contract: Pays $1 if the event happens, $0 if not. Buy in at a price that reflects its probability.

• Liquidity: How many people are trading. High liquidity = faster trades, more accurate odds.

• Settlement: When a contract closes and payouts are finalized.

• Spread: The gap between the buying and selling price. Tighter spreads usually mean a fair game.

Timeline: How Political Betting Markets Got Here

A lot’s happened in the last couple years. Here’s what shaped the current political prediction market scene:

• October 2024: Federal courts greenlight Kalshi’s election results markets.

• November 2024: Robinhood dips into election betting, just in time for Donald Trump’s comeback win.

• January 2025: DraftKings Predict is officially announced.

• March 2025: New CFTC guidance gives more clarity on controled prediction markets and sports markets overlap.

Is Political Betting Legal in the US?

Short version: classic sportsbook-style political betting is off the table, at least for now.

Federal laws like the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) keep election-based wagers out of the hands of traditional betting platforms. That’s why you won’t find a Trump vs. Biden prop bet next to your Sunday night football parlay.

However, prediction markets are a clever workaround, and a legal one. These platforms are governed by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and treat political speculation more like financial forecasting than gambling. So, instead of betting against the house, you’re trading event contracts with other users. It’s legal, it’s regulated, and it’s growing fast.

Take Kalshi, for example. A typical contract might ask, “Will Candidate X win the presidency in 2028?” If you think yes, you buy in. If you think no, you sell. Prices shift based on public sentiment, just like the stock market.

Now let’s talk platforms.

Kalshi: The Gold Standard for Political Prediction Markets

🚨 Kalshi Referral Code	ACTION
💰 Kalshi Offer	Trade on Sports & Politics – Get a $10 Bonus with Our Code!
🌎 Legal States	All states except NJ, OH, MD, MT, NV or IL
📱 Mobile App	iOS & Android
📝 Terms & Conditions	Must be 18 years or older and have a legal, U.S. residential address within legal states, D.C., or U.S. territories
✅ Info Last Verified	May 11, 2025

You can’t talk about the best sites for political betting in the US without mentioning Kalshi. It’s the only fully CFTC-regulated platform currently offering real-money markets on political events.

Kalshi treats every election, bill, or major policy decision as a tradable event. Whether you're following the presidential debate, the liberal party democratic nominee, or wondering if a certain piece of legislation will pass by 2026, Kalshi lets you trade on it legally.

Why Kalshi Ranks #1 in Political Betting Markets

While Kalshi was already near the top of any list where we would recommend political betting sites, they cemented themselves as the best in 2024, as Kalshi became the first fully regulated predictions market in nearly a century. Following a pivotal legal battle with the CFTC, the platform locked in its status as a trusted hub for legal, high-volume trading on political events.

Since then, Kalshi has processed more than $100 million in political contract volume, and in the last U.S. presidential election, its market predictions were more accurate than public polling.

Let’s count the ways Kalshi stands out:

• Regulated and transparent: Kalshi’s status as a Designated Contract Market makes it the real deal.

• Tons of political betting markets: From the Canadian elections to the next prime minister, Kalshi covers it.

• No trading fees: You keep what you win, simple as that.

• Clean, user-friendly design: No clunky UI. Whether you’re on your phone or your desktop, it’s built to flow.

• Quick onboarding: Signing up takes minutes, and it’s smooth from start to finish.

• Smart bonus structure: Deposit $100, get $20. Plus, they offer 4% APY on cash balances.

And when it comes to betting on election odds, Kalshi’s markets have proven eerily accurate, sometimes even better than the polls. In fact, during the last presidential election, Kalshi users collectively predicted the outcome more precisely than public surveys. Learn more about Kalshi by checking out our Kalshi Referral Code review.

Kalshi Political Prediction Example

So how does it all actually work? Here’s an example of how a political contract at Kalshi wors.

Which party will win the House next year?
🟦 Democratic Party: 84%
🟥 Republican Party: 16%

Here, a “Yes” contract is trading at $0.65, so you buy 10 contracts for $6.50. If Democrats win the Senate, you get $10. If they don’t, you get nothing.

The pricing reflects the market's prediction (in this case, a 65% chance). And since it’s peer-to-peer, the price moves in real-time as users buy and sell. No house. Just the crowd. It's like betting odds being calculated by Twitter arguments and polling panic, minus the chaos.

Other US Prediction Markets Worth Checking Out

Kalshi’s the clear leader, but it’s not the only platform out there. If you’re curious about alternatives (or just want to compare), here are some of the top political betting sites in the U.S. and how they stack up.

Manifold Markets

Manifold runs on a virtual currency called Mana, so you’re not trading real money. That keeps it within legal bounds, but it also means you’re just forecasting for fun, not for profit.

What makes Manifold unique:

• Users can create their own markets, so you'll find everything from “Will Taylor Swift endorse a candidate?” to more serious political topics.

• It’s great for casual users or anyone who wants to practice forecasting without financial risk.

• The platform leans heavily on community engagement and social sharing.

Best for: Low-stakes fun, quirky contracts, and social political forecasting.

Learn more about Manifold Markets by checking out our Manifold Promo Code review!

Robinhood

Yes, that Robinhood. The popular stock and crypto app recently received CFTC approval to launch its own political prediction markets, but don’t expect Kalshi-level performance just yet.

Here’s the catch:

• Robinhood charges 1% per contract, unlike Kalshi’s no-fee model.

• Positions can’t be sold early, you’re locked in until the outcome.

• Liquidity is low, and the odds aren’t always sharp.

Verdict? It’s promising but still rough around the edges.

PredictIt

PredictIt has been around for years, operating under a CFTC No-Action Letter for academic purposes. It works much like Kalshi: buying shares in outcomes, such as “Will Donald Trump run in 2028?”

But there are limitations:

• You’re capped at $850 per contract.

• Fees are steep: 10% on profits, 5% on withdrawals.

• There’s been regulatory drama with the CFTC, creating future uncertainty.

Still, it’s a solid entry point for those dipping their toes in the political prediction market waters and just political betting sites overall.

Polymarket

Polymarket is the wildcard on this list. It’s a crypto-powered prediction platform with serious traction globally, and regionally: it handled over $3 billion in trading during the 2024 presidential election cycle.

But here’s the issue: It’s not legal for U.S. users. The CFTC fined them in 2022, and now they block U.S. IPs. Some people skirt that with VPNs, but if you do, you’re on your own. No regulation means no guarantees.

Bottom line: Looks great as far as political betting sites go, but it isn’t safe (for U.S. participants).

Two Platforms to Watch for Political Betting: DraftKings Predict and SI Predict

These political betting sites aren’t live yet, but they’re worth bookmarking.

DraftKings Predict

DraftKings is reportedly building a controled prediction market, and it’s expected to lean heavily into election bettingonce approved. With its massive user base and infrastructure, DraftKings is poised to stand out, likely by 2026. Learn more about the DraftKings Predict promo code by reading our review.

SI Predict (Yes, that Sports Illustrated)

Fresh off the success of SI Sportsbook, the brand is teasing a move into prediction markets with a 2027 launch likely. Expect casual-friendly contracts and a sports-meets-politics crossover vibe with SI Predict. Find out more about SI Predict by reading the SI Predict promo code review.

Understanding Prediction Markets (And How They’re Different)

Prediction markets aren’t quite gambling, and they’re not quite investing. They exist in this fascinating in-between space.

What Are Prediction Markets?

Prediction markets are platforms where users can trade contracts based on real-world events (think of them as stock markets but for outcomes instead of companies). You might see contracts like “Will Candidate X become Vice President in 2028?” or “Will the U.S. pass [Policy Y] by 2030?”

Rather than relying on polling, these markets harness the collective insight of users, allowing participants to back their forecasts with money, or points, depending on the platform. In recent years, markets like Kalshi have actually outperformed traditional polls, correctly predicting outcomes like the 2024 win of President Donald Trump.

How Do Prediction Markets Work?

At their core, prediction markets work like this:

1. A question is posed, say, “Will Kamala Harris Run Again in 2028?”

2. Users can buy “Yes” or “No” contracts, each priced between $0 and $1.

3. That price reflects the implied probability. So, if a “Yes” contract costs $0.55, it suggests a 55% chance of the outcome occurring.

So let’s say you buy 100 contracts at $0.55. If your prediction is right, you’ll get $1 per contract, netting a $45 profit. If it doesn’t pan out, you lose the $55.

But those prices don’t stay static. Between the political betting odds and the outcome occurring, factors influence the price as they fluctuate based on polls, news, trader activity, and other sentiment, creating a dynamic, live betting market.

Are They Legal?

Only if they’re CFTC-approved. That includes Kalshi and PredictIt. Others, like Polymarket, aren’t legally operating in the U.S. and carry risks.

Platform Breakdown: Fees, Terms, and Who’s Allowed

Platform	Fees	Who Can Join
Kalshi	$0 fees on trades/withdrawals	U.S. residents, age 18+, legal states
PredictIt	10% profit fee, 5% withdrawal	U.S. citizens, verified accounts
Manifold	None (virtual currency)	Anyone in the U.S.
Robinhood	1% per contract	Select states, Robinhood account
Metaculus	None (non-monetary)	Open to all

Choosing the Best Site for Political Betting in the US

Not all political prediction markets are made equal, and if you’re serious about getting into the action, whether you're eyeing the liberal party in the Canadian federal election or speculating on who’ll clinch the Democratic nomination, picking the right platform is everything.

Here's what to actually look for when narrowing down the best political betting sites for U.S. users:

Safety and Reputation

This one’s non-negotiable. If you’re putting real money on the line, CFTC regulation is the gold standard. It means you’re not flying blind or risking your bankroll on a sketchy offshore site. Right now, Kalshi and PredictIt are your top legal picks for political wagers, with Kalshi fully approved as a controled prediction market. Always double-check that the betting site you’re using offers clear terms, deposit methods, and data protection.

Mobile App Experience

Election cycles don’t wait around for you to get back to your desk. A fast, reliable mobile app means you can track election odds, shift your positions, and jump on breaking political news as it drops. Kalshi’s mobile app (iOS + Android) is built for that: fluid, intuitive, and perfect for quick checks when the presidential debate heats up.

Possible Bonus Offers

A decent offer helps you dip your toes in. Kalshi gives you a $20 sign-up bonus after depositing $100, no strings, just extra value. Sites offering welcome bonuses or ongoing rewards tend to be more user-friendly for both new and existing customers. That’s especially helpful while you're still figuring out how betting odds are calculated or going through the different markets for political betting.

Variety for Political Betting Markets

The more options, the better. Whether it’s the general election, a key election race, or international political events like leadership changes in Canada, platforms like Kalshi and PredictIt give you access to a wide spectrum of political markets. Look for sites with coverage of everything from presidential election betting picks to unique prop bets like, “Will a celebrity run in 2028?”

User Reviews

What are actual users saying? Kalshi has strong ratings on the App Store, and review sites praise its simplicity and market accuracy. PredictIt has its fans too, though gripes about fees and wagers limited per user are common. Want insight on betting options, customer experience, or payout times? Reddit and app stores often tell you more than the homepage.

Banking & Withdrawal Options

Nobody wants to win a bet on election betting markets and get stuck waiting days to access their potential payout. Kalshi lets you cash out through bank transfers, debit cards, and even PayPal, with no decimal odds confusion or withdrawal fees. PredictIt sticks to credit cards and has slower withdrawal speeds, plus cuts into your profits with its fee structure. Just make sure to read the fine print on most deposit methods, fees, and turnaround times before committing.

Customer Support Quality

It shouldn’t feel like you’re shouting into the void. Whether it’s a question about your maximum bet amounts, bet slip glitches, or verifying your registration process, the ability to reach a human is key. Kalshi’s customer support is responsive and available via live chat or email 24/7. PredictIt also offers help, though response times can be inconsistent.

So, Which Platform Tops the List?

You guessed it: Kalshi. If you've been keeping score, it's no surprise this one stands out as the best site for political betting in the US in 2025. With full Commodity Futures Trading Commission approval, a sleek user interface, fast withdrawals, and tons of political betting markets, Kalshi is leading the pack as the best political betting site.

Political Prediction Markets: What You Can Actually Bet On

Political contracts aren’t just about the presidential political betting odds anymore. Top election betting sites now offer everything from canadian federal election to unexpected cultural crossovers. Here's a look at the range of prediction markets that keep things interesting:

Election Markets

This is the bread and butter. You’ll find contracts covering the U.S. presidential election, Senate races, House control, and foreign events like Canadian elections. The best platforms update election betting markets frequently to reflect real-time sentiment and breaking news.

Policy-Based Prediction Markets

Some users aren’t just betting on people, they’re forecasting policies. Contracts like “Will [X] bill pass before 2030?” or “Will the U.S. raise interest rates in Q4?” add depth beyond candidate speculation or regular election odds. These futures bets also let you track the political process, not just the horse race.

Pop Culture Crossovers

Want a break from the seriousness? Some political prediction markets and political betting sites let you wager on cultural flashpoints:

• “Will a musician endorse a candidate?”

• “Will an actor announce a presidential run?”

These special bets add variety, humor, and social engagement to what can otherwise feel like a political grind.

Ready to Start? Here’s How to Sign Up for a Political Betting Site

We’ll use Kalshi as the example, but the registration process is similar across most platforms:

1. Go to the site or app store (Kalshi’s on iOS/Android)

2. Create an account with your email, name, birthdate, and password

3. Verify your ID and location (they use geolocation technology to comply with legal state limits)

4. Fund your account using a deposit method like bank transfer or card

5. Claim your bonus (Kalshi’s is a $20 credit after a $100 deposit)

6. Check out political markets, from Donald Trump remains headlines to vice president picks and policy contracts

Banking: How to Get Money In (and Out)

Here’s a breakdown of deposit methods and withdrawal policies at top platforms:

• Kalshi: Supports credit cards, debit cards, bank transfers, PayPal. No fees. Minimum deposit? Just $5.

• PredictIt: Credit cards only, $10 minimum, and yes, fees on both gains and withdrawals.

If quick cashouts matter to you, that’s a huge point in Kalshi’s favor.

Play Smart: Responsible Use of Prediction Markets

Just because it’s political forecasting doesn’t mean you should go all-in emotionally or financially. Every smart platform (Kalshi included) offers tools for responsible gambling:

1. Set limits

2. Take breaks

3. Use account restrictions if needed

These tools aren’t just window dressing: they’re how you keep things under control during intense election day trading or major political events that shake the markets.

Where Political Betting Stands in 2025, and Where It’s Headed

Traditional political betting might be locked out of most legal sportsbooks, but that hasn’t stopped bettors from finding a lane, and a legal one at that. Thanks to CFTC-regulated prediction markets like Kalshi, U.S. users finally have a way to place political wagers without skirting the law.

With real-time betting odds calculated by user activity, access to a wide range of political events, and sign-up bonuses that offer a soft landing for newcomers, Kalshi continues to lead the charge in 2025. If you're curious but cautious, PredictIt still holds its ground as a solid option, especially if you're starting small and want to go through election betting markets at your own pace.

And don’t forget to take advantage of what’s available. Kalshi’s $20 welcome bonus, the breadth of available markets, and the absence of trading fees give you the kind of edge you won’t find on unregulated platforms like Polymarket. It’s a rare case of a truly fair game in the world of political speculation.

Stay sharp. Follow the odds. And keep an eye on this space, because the next big moment in political betting and the best political betting sites could be one headline away.