The Wild Hatter

What is The Wild Hatter?

As Macquarie analyst Chad Beynon points out, prediction markets generated $4.3 billion in taker volume during the first week of September without any help from the NFL, building on momentum from the 2026 World Cup. However, the NFL’s impact was immediate, with taker volume hitting a daily record during Week 1 of the campaign.

With all that in mind, it’s not surprising that Macquarie expects sports event contracts will drive approximately 80% of taker volume this year, but Beynon sees other categories growing over the long term.

“We expect non-sports categories such as economics, politics, crypto, and entertainment to gain share over time,” says the analyst.

What is The Wild Hatter?

Despite a rapid ascension throughout the US, Kalshi has been relatively mum on potential international expansion down the road. There is some sentiment that Kalshi will wait to build abroad until after the completion of an initial public offering. At present, Kalshi has sought a valuation of around $44 billion.

Kalshi has imposed strict protocols for customer sign-up, which includes proof of US residency, along with a US tax identification number. The operator also requires traders to complete a robust know-your-customer check before trading on its site.

Per a nine-page member agreement issued by Kalshi in June, users are required to acknowledge that they are prohibited from trading on event contracts if domiciled in roughly three dozen countries. Australia, by way of the ASIC ban, received inclusion on the list. Under the agreement, Kalshi reserves the right to deny users access to its platform in the restricted jurisdictions.

About The Wild Hatter

Shortly after his release, Santos had begun working as an influencer for Polymarket. 

Santos’ case represents the most severe among four disciplinary settlements announced by Kalshi, which has faced increasing scrutiny concerning insider knowledge risks and event outcome influence by market participants.

Santos is not the only individual disciplined for trying to game the prediction market system. Ben Midgley, a Republican candidate for the governorship of Maine, admitted purchasing under $1,000 worth of contracts related to his campaign. He accepted a $5,434.30 fine and a three-year suspension.