Kalshi, Polymarket and gaming groups ramp up Washington lobbying as Congress scrutinizes prediction markets

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.