Comment Text:
Dear Commissioners,
I am writing to express my opposition to proposed rule 3038-AF14.
Event contracts provide valuable market signal to researchers, firms, and the public about the likelihood of occurrences that may affect them. Prices of contracts on predictit, kalshi, and elsewhere are frequently cited as part of political commentary both online and offline. It provides a tangible benefit to many Americans.
The cited reasons for banning these contracts, on the other hand, are entirely theoretical. Those in favor have not been able to cite occurrences of their concerns actually happening, despite the fact that such contracts regularly trade worldwide and have traded in a limited capacity here in the United States for decades.
At a minimum, the Commission should consider whether narrowly tailored policy could address the (theoretical) concerns of manipulation or corruption, rather than going to an outright ban.
Thank you for your consideration,
John Veech
