Comment on CFTC-2026-0331, CFTC-2026-0331-0001, Mary, Johnson

I m a teacher from New York, just a regular concerned citizen who cares about protecting young people and fair markets. The explosion of prediction markets like Kalshi should worry the CFTC. These platforms are essentially running sports gambling under the cover of federal derivatives regulation. Reports show that around 90% of Kalshi s trading volume comes from sports events game outcomes, player props, and parlays that work exactly like bets on any sportsbook. Yet they use CFTC registration to sidestep state gambling laws, licensing requirements, and consumer protections that legitimate sports betting operators must follow. This setup is predatory. The platforms aggressively target younger users with fast-moving, addictive markets on college sports and daily events, all while placing far too much responsibility on the companies themselves to prevent manipulation, resolve disputes fairly, and protect customers. Their self-certification process and light-touch oversight leave too many loopholes. The Commission has clear authority under CEA section 5c(c)(5)(C) to determine that contracts involving gaming are contrary to the public interest. It should use that power. Stronger rules are needed: meaningful position limits, robust surveillance, stricter listing standards, and real consumer safeguards. At minimum, sports-heavy event contracts that function as gambling should be reined in or prohibited on CFTC-registered platforms. We cannot let thinly disguised betting apps operate nationwide with minimal accountability while undermining state laws and exposing retail users especially young ones to unnecessary financial harm. Responsible innovation must not come at the expense of market integrity and public protection. Thank you for considering these comments.