Comment on CFTC-2026-0331, CFTC-2026-0331-0001, Dom, Gr

Dear Chairman and Commissioners, My name is Dom G, and I'm a journalist based in Texas. I've been working in media for years, digging into stories that matter to everyday people, and I've found prediction markets to be an invaluable tool in my work and personal life. I'm writing in response to the Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Prediction Markets (91 FR 12516) to strongly support proportionate regulation of these markets rather than bans or overly restrictive rules. As someone who actively trades on platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket, I've seen firsthand how prediction markets provide information you can't get anywhere else. They're not just a niche hobby; they offer better forecasts on elections and public events than most polls or pundits. For my reporting, this data helps me cut through noise and understand what might actually happen, whether it's a policy shift or an economic indicator. Beyond that, I've used these markets to hedge personal financial risks, like betting on interest rate decisions that affect my mortgage timing. This isn't gambling. It takes research and judgment, just like trading stocks or commodities. I also worry about what happens if the CFTC over-restricts or bans these markets. Banning them won't make them disappear; it'll just push activity to unregulated offshore platforms where there are no consumer protections. I've covered enough stories about financial scams to know that regulated markets, like those under CFTC oversight, are far safer for users like me. Plus, the U.S. should be leading in financial innovation, not handing that edge to other countries. Academic research backs this up too, showing prediction markets aggregate information efficiently, benefiting not just traders but the public and policymakers through better price discovery. I'm particularly drawn to your questions 7 and 8 in the Public Interest section of the ANPR, about balancing innovation with consumer protection. I believe regulation is the answer, not prohibition. Targeted rules can address risks like manipulation or insider trading, which are already illegal under existing laws. Shutting down these markets to stop a few bad actors punishes everyone else and kills the benefits they bring. And to question 15 on defining gaming versus legitimate markets, I'd argue event contracts serve real economic purposes, like hedging and forecasting, and shouldn't be lumped in with gambling. Prediction markets give regular folks like me a stake in understanding the world, and they democratize access to valuable information. I urge the CFTC to craft rules that protect consumers while allowing these markets to thrive. Don't push innovation and participation offshore with overly harsh restrictions. Support well-regulated prediction markets that keep the U.S. competitive and informed. Thank you for considering my input. Sincerely, Dom G