Published on: February 20, 2026, 02:08h. 

Updated on: February 20, 2026, 02:08h.

• The National Council on Problem Gambling advocates for raising the age of participation in prediction markets to 21+
• Presently, individuals aged 18 and older can engage in contract trading on CFTC-authorized prediction markets
• The NCPG also proposes adding the 1-800-MY-REST National Problem Gambling Helpline to prediction markets

Debate over prediction markets has surged within the gaming community since online platforms began facilitating contracts for sports events last year. This burgeoning sector has attracted widespread attention, with major news outlets discussing the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s (CFTC) commitment to uphold the ability of prediction markets to trade on various outcomes, from basketball games to potential statements by political figures.

The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) is expressing concerns about inadequate consumer protections surrounding prediction trading. Since the CFTC oversees prediction markets as financial instruments, platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket are not bound by state gambling regulations.

“Trading futures contracts through prediction markets poses risks to consumers comparable to those found in traditional sports betting, including the potential for loss chasing, impulsive actions, financial ruin, and the worsening of gambling-related issues,” the CFTC highlighted, urging for the inclusion of the 1-800-MY-REST National Problem Gambling Helpline.

“Participants in prediction markets might not recognize their activities as gambling, regardless of legal definitions, potentially reducing their likelihood of practicing responsible gaming or seeking help for gambling issues,” the nonprofit added.

Underage Gambling Risks

The NCPG is the sole national nonprofit organization focused on reducing the social and economic impacts of gambling addiction. Headquartered in Washington, DC, the organization neither supports nor opposes legalized gambling.

One significant concern regarding gambling addiction in the context of prediction markets is their accessibility to individuals aged 18 and above. In most states where gambling is sanctioned, the minimum age requirement is set at 21.

“Studies indicate that younger individuals face heightened risks of gambling-related problems due to cognitive development challenges and their limited capability to evaluate risks appropriately. This is precisely why the majority of states have established the legal gambling age at 21 for sports betting and casino access,” stated Cole Wogoman, director of government relations and league partnerships at the NCPG, in an interview with Casino.org.

“Restricting gambling to those aged 21 and above is a fundamental consumer protection strategy that acknowledges the distinct vulnerabilities of youth, significantly decreasing the chances of gambling-related harm before it occurs,” Wogoman emphasized.

Are Responsible Gaming Tools Available in Prediction Markets?

All licensed sportsbooks and online casinos supply players with various tools to manage their gambling activities responsibly. These include deposit limits, time restrictions, and cooling-off periods, providing a range of safeguards.

In contrast, Polymarket lacks a dedicated responsible trading program. Formerly traditional sportsbooks transitioning to prediction markets, notably DraftKings Predictions and FanDuel Predicts, provide responsible trading resources but do not mention the National Problem Gambling Helpline.