Comment Text:
Dear Chairman and Commissioners,
My name is Kimmie Anderson, and I'm just an everyday citizen from South Carolina writing to share my thoughts on the Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Prediction Markets, as published in 91 FR 12516. I'm not an expert or a big-time trader, but I believe in the value of these markets and want to see them regulated in a fair way that lets regular folks like me participate.
I've only recently learned about prediction markets, but I'm excited by what they offer. I think they're a powerful tool for getting better information out there, not just for traders but for everyone. The prices in these markets often seem to predict outcomes more accurately than polls or news pundits. That kind of insight could help people make smarter decisions, whether it's about politics, the economy, or even local issues that affect my community here in South Carolina. I also value my freedom to take part in legal, regulated markets. I don't see why regular folks should be locked out of something that big institutions or wealthy investors might get to use.
One thing that really stands out to me is the difference between regulated platforms like Kalshi, which operate under CFTC oversight, and unregulated offshore sites. I'd much rather see these markets operate here in the US, where there are rules and protections in place, than have people pushed to sketchy foreign platforms with no accountability. If the CFTC bans or over-restricts prediction markets, I worry that's exactly what will happen. People won't just stop trading; they'll go somewhere less safe. Keeping these markets regulated here at home seems like the better choice.
I also believe that when informed traders participate, it makes the market prices more accurate, and that benefits everyone, even those of us who aren't trading. This ties into some of the questions in your notice, like Question 11 on public interest and price discovery, and Questions 29 and 30 on the role of informed trading. I think the CFTC should focus on rules that encourage accurate information in these markets, not rules that shut them down over fears of a few bad actors.
I know there are concerns about manipulation or insider trading, and I get that. But aren't there already laws against those things? Let's not punish everyone by banning or overly restricting prediction markets. Instead, I urge you to craft proportionate regulations that address specific risks while still allowing regular citizens like me to participate in a legal, safe way.
Thank you for taking the time to read my comments. I hope you'll support well-regulated prediction markets that benefit the public and keep activity here in the US.
Sincerely,
Kimmie Anderson
