Key facts
- The CFTC is proposing new rules for prediction markets.
- The rules could ban bets on war, terrorism, assassinations, and player injuries.
- The agency is seeking public comment on event contract derivatives.
- The CFTC will review contracts on a case-by-case basis for public interest.
The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is preparing to propose new rules governing prediction markets, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal, citing individuals familiar with the matter. These proposed regulations are expected to ban wagers on sensitive events, including war, terrorism, assassinations, and gambling related to player injuries or first pitches in baseball. The CFTC has also issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, seeking public comment on event contract derivatives traded on platforms commonly known as prediction markets. The agency is soliciting input on statutory core principles, existing Commission regulations, and the types of event contracts that might be considered contrary to the public interest. The information gathered will help inform potential future agency actions, including rulemaking. The Federal Register notice, dated March 16, 2026, sets a comment deadline of April 30, 2026. The CFTC is encouraging submissions through its online portal. U.S. President Donald Trump previously stated that the CFTC must maintain exclusive authority over prediction markets.