Kalshi’s big move into sports betting

[Yamifoud]

Kalshi just raised $300 million at a $5 billion valuation, and what makes it interesting is that it’s fully regulated under the CFTC in the U.S., unlike Polymarket which operates more in the gray area. They’re planning to expand to over 140 countries and even explore sports-related markets, which could blur the line between regulated prediction markets and sports betting.

If they manage to pull this off, Kalshi might become the first platform to combine legit financial-style trading with sports and event speculation.

What do you guys think, could this be the start of licensed global prediction markets replacing traditional sportsbooks?

[AbuBhakar]

If they manage to pull this off, Kalshi might become the first platform to combine legit financial-style trading with sports and event speculation.

What do you guys think, could this be the start of licensed global prediction markets replacing traditional sportsbooks?

I doubt that this will replace traditional sportsbook if they offer the same odds and market but I do notice that some major sportsbook already pursuing a license that has wider scope that can operate to major country which Curacao license doesn’t cover.

However, it’s still depends on the bonuses that they can offer since this license betting market doesn’t have any difference if they offer less bonus being offered by traditional sportsbook that works fine even with their current license.

[Russlenat]

Sports bettors want simplicity, they’ll always stick to where they feel comfortable. So I don’t think this expansion will disrupt the sports betting industry. Prediction markets will always stay behind sports betting in terms of market size, so there’s nothing to worry about.

What’s interesting though is that Polymarket recently received an investment from the NYSE owner, so maybe there’s some competition brewing there. The difference is mainly in licensing, Kalshi is regulated while Polymarket isn’t. But despite that, Polymarket’s still quite popular. Honestly, I just recently learned that Kalshi is actually a pretty big prediction market company too.

[Renampun]

I don't think platforms like Kalshi will ever replace sportsbooks for sports betting, as they have a much more mature ecosystem, offer a wide variety of bets across various sports, and offer bonuses, rewards, and VIP options to bettors, which is why more people still prefer sportsbooks. so even if platforms like Kalshi or Polymarket continue to grow, sportsbooks will remain the primary choice for most sports bettors globally.

[rachael9385]

Kalshi just raised $300 million at a $5 billion valuation, and what makes it interesting is that it’s fully regulated under the CFTC in the U.S., unlike Polymarket which operates more in the gray area. They’re planning to expand to over 140 countries and even explore sports-related markets, which could blur the line between regulated prediction markets and sports betting.

If they manage to pull this off, Kalshi might become the first platform to combine legit financial-style trading with sports and event speculation.

What do you guys think, could this be the start of licensed global prediction markets replacing traditional sportsbooks?

The fact that a little bit of complexities are involved a lot of bettors would want to stick to what they already know. The sports betting industry isn't going to be affected by this move. The polymarket would always have those that are interested in it and so does sport betting platforms. But looking at another angle, if they can offer bonuses more catchy than what bookies give then there's a possibility that they might replace sportsbooks

[stadus]

I don't think platforms like Kalshi will ever replace sportsbooks for sports betting, as they have a much more mature ecosystem, offer a wide variety of bets across various sports, and offer bonuses, rewards, and VIP options to bettors, which is why more people still prefer sportsbooks. so even if platforms like Kalshi or Polymarket continue to grow, sportsbooks will remain the primary choice for most sports bettors globally.

they won’t replace the current; instead, they’ll join the competition.
They’ll add prediction markets and sports betting, making it an all-in-one platform if they think it gives them an edge over other sportsbooks.

Right now, kalshi is the only one really comparable to polymarket, but since polymarket is unlicensed, even if they offer similar features, they don’t exactly serve the same market.

[TravelMug]

I don't think platforms like Kalshi will ever replace sportsbooks for sports betting, as they have a much more mature ecosystem, offer a wide variety of bets across various sports, and offer bonuses, rewards, and VIP options to bettors, which is why more people still prefer sportsbooks. so even if platforms like Kalshi or Polymarket continue to grow, sportsbooks will remain the primary choice for most sports bettors globally.

they won’t replace the current; instead, they’ll join the competition.
They’ll add prediction markets and sports betting, making it an all-in-one platform if they think it gives them an edge over other sportsbooks.

Right now, kalshi is the only one really comparable to polymarket, but since polymarket is unlicensed, even if they offer similar features, they don’t exactly serve the same market.

Right, I haven't heard Kalshi though, but it seems that it's big already and moving into sports betting. But going to replace? Nah, this is a billion dollar business and no one can corner this market and that's why there are a lot of competition because they know the price of it.

For Polymarket, even if it is in the gray area, I think it's going to be very tough to dislodge it. We all know that in this game, if you are the prime mover, regardless of how many competitors who have, you will remain on top because you have build your community already.

[stadus]

they won’t replace the current; instead, they’ll join the competition.
They’ll add prediction markets and sports betting, making it an all-in-one platform if they think it gives them an edge over other sportsbooks.

Right now, kalshi is the only one really comparable to polymarket, but since polymarket is unlicensed, even if they offer similar features, they don’t exactly serve the same market.

Right, I haven't heard Kalshi though, but it seems that it's big already and moving into sports betting. But going to replace? Nah, this is a billion dollar business and no one can corner this market and that's why there are a lot of competition because they know the price of it.

For Polymarket, even if it is in the gray area, I think it's going to be very tough to dislodge it. We all know that in this game, if you are the prime mover, regardless of how many competitors who have, you will remain on top because you have build your community already.

According to the report ( https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/sports-betting-market-report), global sports betting is valued at $100 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow in the coming years...

Though I believe Kalshi already at a $billion worth, I think there's no assurance yet that they will dominate the market.
IMO, sports betting industry is huge and it has more room to grow especially that bettors find online sports betting very convenient already.