Majority of Americans Reject Betting on Elections, Reuters/Ipsos Poll Says
National survey finds broad opposition to election prediction markets amid regulatory fight
Key Takeaways
- Reuters/Ipsos surveyed 4,506 adults between Sept. 30 and Oct. 5, 2026.
- Sixty-nine percent of Democrats and 61% of Republicans oppose betting on election outcomes via prediction markets.
- Forty-three percent of respondents oppose betting on professional sports, while 29% support such bets.
- Thirty-nine states and the District of Columbia filed an amicus brief describing the regulatory dispute as a “national turf war.”
A majority of Americans surveyed by Reuters/Ipsos oppose betting on elections and government actions, according to a poll of 4,506 adults conducted between Sept. 30 and Oct. 5, 2026. The prediction-market industry, led by Polymarket and Kalshi, offers wagers on U.S. elections, public-policy moves and sporting events and has sparked multiple lawsuits between state and federal agencies.
Survey results
The poll found that 69% of Democrats and 61% of Republicans oppose using prediction markets to bet on electoral outcomes. On bets tied to professional sports, 43% of respondents were against and 29% in favor; the survey covered 4,506 adults nationally between Sept. 30 and Oct. 5, 2026. See related coverage on [sports betting trends](/sports).
Regulatory dispute and legal action
Federal oversight of the industry falls to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), while several states disagree and have taken the disputes to court. The Trump administration is seeking federal rules through the CFTC, and many observers expect the conflict to reach the U.S. Supreme Court. More on the regulatory debate is available in our [regulation](/regulation) section.
On Oct. 8 Cointelegraph reported that 39 states and the District of Columbia filed an amicus brief saying the clash between the CFTC and state authorities had become a “national turf war.” Related reporting indicates that Blockchain.com is pursuing CFTC approval for prediction markets, according to CNBC.
“national turf war”, according to the amicus brief filed by 39 states and the District of Columbia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Reuters/Ipsos survey show about betting on elections?
The survey shows a majority of Americans oppose betting on elections: 69% of Democrats and 61% of Republicans said they were against it. The poll sampled 4,506 adults nationwide between Sept. 30 and Oct. 5, 2026.
Which companies lead the prediction-market industry mentioned?
Polymarket and Kalshi are identified as leading the industry. Both platforms allow wagers on U.S. elections, public-policy moves and sporting events, and their activities have prompted litigation involving state and federal agencies.
What is the status of the regulatory dispute over these markets?
The dispute pits the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) against state authorities and could reach the U.S. Supreme Court. On Oct. 8 Cointelegraph reported that 39 states and the District of Columbia filed an amicus brief calling the fight a “national turf war.”
What do respondents think about betting on professional sports?
The survey found 43% of respondents oppose betting on professional sports while 29% support it. These figures come from the national poll of 4,506 adults conducted Sept. 30–Oct. 5, 2026.
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About the author
Renata Quiroga
Betting Markets Correspondent
Renata Quiroga covers sports betting and prediction markets — sportsbook launches, odds technology, event contracts, and the regulatory calls that decide what can be bet on and where. The reports open with the product or the ruling, name operators and platforms precisely, and explain the mechanics without needless jargon. When a book enters a Latin American market or a prediction exchange lists a contested contract, Renata Quiroga reports what changes for the bettor.
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