The CFTC told prediction markets a second time in 2026 to stop filing broad, template-style event contract certifications before a July 27 deadline.
Crypto Regulation News
The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has again told prediction market operators to change how they file event contracts. The advisory came out on July 24. It was the agency's second such warning in 2026, following a prior warning on March 12.
The CFTC said many platforms keep self-certifying contracts as broad templates, and that these filings skip key details. Operators are supposed to supply the terms of each contract version. They must also explain the product, the underlying commodity, and how it follows the rules.
The agency said the shortcut makes its job harder. It cannot easily check whether a firm gave all the required information. It also cannot confirm that the firm reviewed the settlement method and data sources for every version. The CFTC said closely related contracts can still be filed together as a class.
The CFTC calls itself the primary regulator of prediction markets. It oversees firms such as Kalshi, Coinbase, Polymarket and Crypto(dot)com. That role is not settled in law. Several states say the platforms run illegal sports betting that states should police. Chairman Mike Selig has made defending the agency's authority a priority. The dispute could reach the US Supreme Court.
The timing matters. The advisory landed three days before a July 27 comment deadline, which covers proposed rule changes on public-interest tests for some event contracts. The proposal sets a three-step process. It would judge contracts tied to activities such as terrorism, assassination, or gaming. Law firm Ropes & Gray said in June that the rule would reshape parts of the market.
Related Article: CFTC Signs Prediction Market Integrity Deal With NHL
Kraken Exchange Remains Dormant
The CFTC also acted on Kraken on July 24. It extended the dormant status of the Kraken Derivatives Exchange. The last trade there cleared in early 2025. The move keeps the venue ready for future activity. Kraken said it needs more time to plan after buying Bitnomial earlier in 2026.
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