Kalshi vs Robinhood event contracts
Here is something many traders do not realize: Robinhood's event contracts actually execute on Kalshi's exchange. So why choose one over the other? The differences are in order types, fees, and paperwork.
Here is the comparison.
Same exchange underneath
When you trade an event contract in Robinhood, the order routes to Kalshi's exchange and trades in the same order book as everyone else. The underlying market is identical; the difference is the interface and what each broker lets you do with it.
Order types and fees
This is the big one for active traders. Trading directly on Kalshi gives you limit orders, which let you act as a maker and often avoid the trading fee. Brokers that only offer quick (market) orders make every trade a taker, so you pay the fee every time and give up price control. For frequent traders, that is a real, structural cost difference in Kalshi's favor.
Tax paperwork
Neither hands you a clean broker tax form for contract trades. Robinhood has said it will not issue 1099s for event contracts and instead provides an annual statement, while Kalshi leaves the contract P&L to you as well. Either way you self-report, but the documents you get to work from differ.
Which to use
If you already live in Robinhood and trade occasionally, the convenience may be enough. If you trade actively and care about fees and execution, trading directly on Kalshi with limit orders gives you a cost and control advantage.