Prediction markets face CFTC scrutiny ahead of 2026 US midterms

CFTC Chairman Michael Selig has said the agency is monitoring prediction markets for possible manipulation ahead of the 2026 U.S. midterm elections, according to reporting on his latest television interview. Mike Selig says the CFTC is monitoring prediction markets for manipulation ahead of U.S. midterms. Kalshi and Polymarket held $250 million in combined midterm open interest as of Oct. 18. CFTC settlements against Gabriel Perez and George Santos imposed financial sanctions and three-year trading bans. September guidance called for contract-specific safeguards on markets tied to individuals’ words or actions. Bloomberg’s Oct.