Most Americans Oppose Betting on Elections, Reuters/Ipsos Poll Finds
Survey of 4,506 adults shows broad resistance to election betting amid CFTC–state regulatory fight.
Key Takeaways
- A Reuters/Ipsos poll of 4,506 adults (Sept. 30–Oct. 5) found most Americans oppose election betting.
- Sixty-nine percent of Democrats and 61% of Republicans opposed using prediction markets for election results.
- Forty-three percent of respondents opposed betting on professional sports, with 29% in support.
- Polymarket and Kalshi lead the prediction market industry, which faces lawsuits between states and federal agencies.
- An amicus brief from 39 US states and the District of Columbia described the dispute as a "national turf war."
A Reuters/Ipsos poll of 4,506 US adults taken Sept. 30–Oct. 5 found most Americans oppose betting on US elections and other government actions. The survey recorded partisan opposition levels of 69% of Democrats and 61% of Republicans against using prediction markets to bet on election results.
Poll results and broader attitudes
The Reuters/Ipsos study also asked about other forms of betting. 43% of respondents opposed betting on professional sports, while 29% supported it. The poll frames public resistance to prediction markets alongside existing legal and regulatory disputes.
Industry and legal context
The prediction market industry, led by Polymarket and Kalshi, offers platforms that enable bets on US elections, government policy moves and sporting events. The sector has attracted a series of lawsuits between state authorities and federal agencies over who has regulatory authority. The Biden administration's successor is not mentioned; the article says President Donald Trump’s administration is pursuing federal regulation for the industry through the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), while states are opposing that federal push. Many expect the dispute to reach the Supreme Court.
"national turf war"
The phrase appears in an amicus brief filed by 39 US states and the District of Columbia and reported by Cointelegraph on Oct. 8, which said the conflict between the CFTC and state authorities had produced a "national turf war." Blockchain.com is also pursuing CFTC approval for prediction markets, according to CNBC.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the sample size and dates of the Reuters/Ipsos poll?
The poll surveyed 4,506 US adults and was conducted between Sept. 30 and Oct. 5. Those are the exact sample size and fieldwork dates reported.
How did partisans respond to election betting in the survey?
Sixty-nine percent of Democrats and 61% of Republicans said they opposed using prediction markets to bet on election results, according to the Reuters/Ipsos poll.
Which companies lead the prediction market industry mentioned in the article?
Polymarket and Kalshi are identified as leaders in the prediction market industry that enables bets on elections, government policy and sporting events.
What legal conflict is affecting prediction markets?
The legal conflict pits state authorities against the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) over regulatory authority, and many expect the dispute to reach the Supreme Court.
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About the author
Tessa Coleman
Betting Markets Correspondent
Tessa Coleman covers betting products and markets — sportsbook launches, odds and trading technology, and the fast-growing prediction-market space from regulated exchanges to event contracts. The stories lead with the product or the ruling, name the operators and platforms precisely, and translate trading jargon into what bettors can actually do. When a book reworks its pricing or a prediction market wins a license fight, Tessa Coleman explains the mechanics and the stakes.
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