WASHINGTON, March 12, 2026 — The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission announced March 12 that it is seeking public comment on whether new regulations or amendments may be needed to govern event contracts traded on prediction markets.
The agency said it issued an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) requesting feedback on how the Commodity Exchange Act and existing Commission regulations should apply to contracts whose payoff depends on the outcome of specified future events. The consultation represents the initial stage of a potential rulemaking process concerning prediction markets.
Consultation on prediction markets
According to the Commission, the ANPRM asks a series of questions concerning the application of statutory core principles and existing CFTC regulations to prediction markets.
The notice seeks input on several topics, including the types of event contracts that may be prohibited as being contrary to the public interest, as well as broader considerations such as potential costs and benefits associated with prediction market activity.
The Commission said the information and comments received will be used to inform possible future agency action, including whether to pursue formal rulemaking related to prediction markets.
Chairman statement
CFTC Chairman Michael S. Selig said the consultation forms part of the agency’s ongoing effort to evaluate innovation in derivatives markets within the statutory framework established by Congress.
“Today’s action is an important step in the Commission’s continued effort to promote responsible innovation in our derivatives markets,” Selig said in a statement.
“This begins the process of new rulemaking grounded in a rational and coherent interpretation of the Commodity Exchange Act, while reassuring the American people that the CFTC will exercise its exclusive jurisdiction over prediction markets,” he added.
Comment period
The Commission said written comments must be submitted within 45 days after publication of the ANPRM in the Federal Register.
Comments may be filed through the CFTC’s Public Comments Portal, according to the agency.
