Kalshi Inc., the leading US prediction market operator, has introduced new restrictions for users aged 18 to 20, including a $2,500 monthly deposit limit. Users in this age group will be automatically enrolled in “special accounts” designed to curb risky behavior. Those with balances exceeding $1,000 will receive alerts if they allocate more than 25% of their balance to a single bet, encouraging diversification.
The company is also partnering with Parent Pro Tech and Connect Safely to publish youth-focused guides for parents. Previously, deposit caps were user-set, but trading among 18–20-year-olds was already being monitored. If risky patterns are detected, Kalshi will directly outreach with suggestions to slow trading.
COO Luana Lopes Lara stated, “Like the stock exchange, Kalshi is available only to traders 18 and older,” but acknowledged young adults may need more education and safeguards. As prediction markets surge, Kalshi and competitors like Polymarket face pressure from regulators and consumer advocates who argue the platforms resemble gambling exchanges. Most states prohibit gambling under 21. Benjamin Schiffrin of Better Markets called the deposit limits “a pretty stunning admission,” noting stock exchanges don’t restrict investments by age.
He argued Kalshi’s protections should align with sports betting laws, given its revenue is largely sports-derived. The US Supreme Court may address the issue as early as 2027, as both prediction markets and state officials have petitioned the court.
Source: Bloomberg Markets · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing