A side-by-side look at how Kalshi compares to the other places people trade events and outcomes. Availability and rules change quickly, so confirm current terms with each platform, and tap any row for the full breakdown.
| Platform | What it is | Regulation | Funding | US availability | Taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kalshi | Regulated US event-contract exchange | CFTC-regulated (DCM) | USD (bank or card) | Available to US traders | Unsettled: ordinary, possible Section 1256 |
| Polymarket | Crypto-based prediction market | Crypto-native; US access evolving | USDC (crypto) | Historically restricted for US users; status changing | Crypto-settled; treatment varies |
| PredictIt | Political prediction market | Operated under a contested CFTC posture | USD | Available, with position and price limits | Has issued 1099s historically |
| Robinhood event contracts | Event contracts inside a broker app | Offered via a CFTC-registered intermediary | USD | Available where offered | Event contracts; treatment unsettled |
| Sportsbooks (DraftKings, FanDuel) | Sports betting operators | State-licensed gambling | USD | Where state-legal | Gambling income; capped loss deduction |