According to CNBC, Kalshi, Polymarket and the casino and gaming sectors are escalating lobbying efforts in Washington as Congress and regulators scrutinize prediction markets. Kalshi said lobbying spending totaled $990,000 in the first half of 2026, or nearly $1.8 million including outside firms, topping the $1 million it spent in all of 2025.
The American Gaming Association spent $1.39 million on lobbying so far in 2026, while Cherokee Nation spent $600,000 in the first half of the year. A firm lobbying for Polymarket spent $180,000 for the client in the same period, putting it on pace to match the $360,000 spent in 2025. The report said Polymarket has one lobbying firm, while Kalshi uses seven including its in-house operation.