Published on: February 4, 2026, 07:53h.
Updated on: February 4, 2026, 07:53h.
- Kalshi and Polymarket give away free groceries in NYC
- These prediction markets aim to gain favor with the public in the largest city in the nation
Kalshi and Polymarket, leading names in prediction markets, are making headlines with their latest promotional activities in New York City.
On Tuesday, Kalshi covered $50 worth of groceries for every customer at the Westside Market located at 3rd Avenue and E. 12th Street in Manhattan’s East Village. The initiative lasted from noon to 3 PM at 83 3rd Ave.
“Your $50 grocery bill is on Kalshi,” the prediction market announced on X.
Not to be outdone, Polymarket revealed plans to open a free grocery store at an undisclosed location in NYC next week, scheduled to debut on Thursday, February 12, at noon.
“This initiative is the culmination of months of preparation, including obtaining permits, constructing a dedicated retail space, and establishing nonprofit collaborations, highlighting our investment in the city where Polymarket originated and grew,” stated a release from Polymarket.
This Polymarket grocery store will operate as a temporary five-day “pop-up,” marketed as New York’s “first free grocery market.”
Polymarket has confirmed a $1 million donation to the Food Bank for New York City, complementing the free groceries offered at their store next week.
The competition between Polymarket and Kalshi has sparked a debate over who originated the concept of distributing groceries. While Polymarket argues that its physical store has been in development for months, Kalshi maintains that they have contemplated this promotional idea “for years.”
Enhancing Community Images
As top players in the prediction market realm, both Kalshi and Polymarket appear focused on fostering goodwill by engaging with the communities in which they operate.
Despite ongoing criticism surrounding their controversial trading contracts in domains like politics and sports, prediction markets are striving to change perceptions. Recently, New York Attorney General Letitia James cautioned residents about participating in Super Bowl bets, or trades, on these platforms.
James pointed out the “significant risks associated with unregulated prediction markets,” urging New Yorkers to stay vigilant to safeguard their finances. Although prediction markets have regulations, opponents allege that the Commodity Futures Trading Commission is insufficiently equipped to handle the extensive contracts related to sports.
With considerable opposition from state lawmakers, attorneys general, and gaming regulators claiming that sports trades offered by prediction markets constitute illegal gambling, both Kalshi and Polymarket are sweetening their appeal with free groceries to win public favor.
Mayor’s Grocery Initiative
During his 2025 campaign, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D) made it a centerpiece of his platform to establish five grocery stores throughout the city, one located in each borough.
Polymarket traders currently assign an 18% probability that Mamdani will open a city-run grocery store by June 30. However, Kalshi traders are more optimistic, estimating a 63% chance that a city-owned grocery will be operational before 2028.