Prediction markets platform Kalshi announced that it has established a new office in Washington, D.C. to bolster its strategic lobbying efforts with the U.S. government.
With the new office, Kalshi hired John Bivona as the company’s first head of federal government relations, according to its press release. Bivona, a political strategist with over 20 years of experience, previously served as the first White House liaison at the Department of Homeland Security during the Biden administration.
To lead its state policy efforts, Kalshi hired Blake Bee, a former senior manager of state and local public policy at Amazon, where he engaged with state attorneys general.
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission-regulated platform is currently the world’s largest prediction market by monthly volume, reporting $6.58 billion in December. Rival platform Polymarket reported $2.28 billion.
Kalshi saw a significant surge in volume starting in September 2025, coinciding with the start of the U.S. National Football League season. According to CEO Tarek Mansour, Kalshi recorded about $441 million in volume in the first four days following the NFL kickoff last year.
Legal hurdles
Despite the success and its status as a federally licensed exchange, Kalshi has faced state-level pushback on its sports event contracts. Multiple U.S. states, including Arizona, Tennessee, Connecticut and Massachusetts, have taken enforcement actions against Kalshi, claiming that its sports event contracts constitute unlicensed sports gambling under state laws.
Legal developments have varied by state. In Nevada, a federal judge ruled late last year that Kalshi must comply with the state’s gaming rules, rejecting the company’s argument that CFTC oversight preempts state regulation of sports-related contracts. Kalshi is currently appealing this ruling.
Meanwhile, a federal judge in Tennessee ordered the state’s sports wagering council and attorney general to temporarily halt efforts to block Kalshi’s sports contracts.
Some state regulators have widened their enforcement to include Polymarket and Crypto.com. Ongoing state-level regulatory friction remains a critical barrier to prediction market expansion.
© 2026 The Block. All Rights Reserved. This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
Trade Crypto On Coinhub Exchange
Trade Crypto On Coinhub Exchange
Stay ahead of the market by turning news insights into trading opportunities. With Coinhub Exchange, you can seamlessly buy, sell, and manage your digital assets, all in one secure platform. Take advantage of real-time market insights, deep liquidity, and fast execution for your favorite cryptocurrencies. Don’t just read about it — trade crypto now!
Disclaimer
The content of this article shown by Coinhub News, powered by The Block, is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, tax, or investment advice. Coinhub News and its affiliates are not a licensed financial advisor, legal advisor, broker, or tax advisor, and ... should not be considered as professional advice or a recommendation to engage in any specific investment, legal decision, or financial transaction. Cryptocurrency markets are highly speculative and volatile. Readers should perform their own independent research and consult with a qualified professional before making any financial or legal decisions. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the Company of its affiliates. Additionally, the Company does not make any representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, timeliness, reliability, or completeness of any information in this article. By accessing this content, you acknowledge that any reliance on the information contained in this article is solely at your own risk. The Company is not responsible for any financial losses, legal disputes, or other damages that may arise from reliance on this content or from any investment or legal decisions based on the information provided. Investing in cryptocurrencies involves substantial risks, including the risk of losing your entire investment, and you should carefully consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances.
Read more
