Prediction Markets in
Washington DC
Washington DC is fully open for prediction markets: all major platforms available, no enforcement actions. DC is where the regulatory battles over prediction markets have been fought: the CFTC is headquartered here, Kalshi's landmark 2024 court injunction was decided by a DC circuit judge, and the CFTC dropped its Kalshi case in May 2025 from DC. DC residents live at the center of prediction market regulation. The trade-off: a 10.75% top income tax rate, second only to Hawaii among US jurisdictions.
Which platforms work in DC?
Kalshi available in DC. CFTC federal jurisdiction: DC is the seat of federal regulatory authority.
Polymarket QCEX available in DC. No enforcement action taken.
Both Mana and Sweepcash available in DC.
CFTC no-action letter. US politics only, $850 cap. Available in DC.
All prediction market contracts available in DC.
DC: where prediction market law is made
The CFTC (Commodity Futures Trading Commission) is headquartered at 1155 21st Street NW in Washington DC. Every major legal development in US prediction markets (Kalshi's election market approval, the 2024 injunction, the CFTC dropping its case in May 2025) has been decided here. DC circuit courts have been the venue for the most consequential prediction market rulings. DC residents operate closer to this regulatory action than anyone else in the country.
PredictIt's particular relevance: PredictIt's primary market focus is US political events: exactly the kind of events most discussed in and around DC. It's the platform most used by political analysts, Hill staffers, and journalists who work near Capitol Hill. The $850/contract cap is frustrating for high-conviction bettors, but PredictIt remains the best pure political markets platform.
DC vs surrounding states
Virginia
Open status, all platforms available. 5.75% top rate: much lower than DC's 10.75%. Many DC workers live in northern Virginia.
CautionMaryland
Caution: Polymarket restricted. 5.75% top rate. DC has better platform access but much higher tax than Maryland.
RestrictedNew Jersey
Restricted: Polymarket blocked. 10.75% top rate same as DC. The NYC/NJ corridor faces similar high-tax, restricted-platform issues.