Comment Text:
Dear CFTC,
I’ve been investing for over a decade, and I want to express my concerns about the proposed restrictions on election, awards shows, and sports contracts in the regulated marketplace. Having a broad spectrum of options is crucial for making well-rounded financial decisions. In my experience, these contracts offer invaluable tools for hedging and price discovery, and they significantly contribute to market liquidity and confidence. The currently proposed CFTC restrictions seem more like unnecessary barriers rather than protective measures.
CFTC’s stance against election contracts is mainly why I am taking the time to write this comment. Labeling them as gaming is overly simplistic and risks driving valuable market activity elsewhere—within platforms that are instead unregulated and unsafe. There is substantial data showing the economic and hedging benefits of these contracts. Effective regulation should involve a detailed understanding of the market and active engagement with stakeholders, which I believe is lacking in this approach. I strongly encourage the Commission to vote against the proposed rule. A broader discussion could provide for more comprehensive industry feedback, ensuring that all perspectives are adequately considered for a more informed regulatory decision.
These contracts are vital for effective risk management and maintaining market transparency. Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to positive steps being put toward this important issue.
Sincerely,
Joshua