The partnership signals Kalshi’s willingness to test new ground as it expands beyond its original market focus
Kalshi is pushing deeper into the poker world with a new partnership tied to live-streamed cash games. The prediction market company announced a deal with The Lodge Card Club, which operates two popular poker rooms in Texas and runs widely watched livestreams.
The Lodge confirmed Kalshi as its new prediction market partner for the stream, promoting the announcement on social media alongside a signup offer for new users. The collaboration gives Kalshi direct exposure to poker fans who regularly tune in to watch high-stakes action.
Under the agreement, Kalshi plans to offer event contracts based on the outcomes of hands or sessions featured on the livestream. This marks the first time the platform has moved beyond politics and sports to offer contracts tied to poker results.
The move follows Kalshi’s decision to bring Daniel Negreanu on board as a brand ambassador last fall. Aligning with a major poker venue adds another layer to its strategy of becoming more visible within the poker community.
Regulatory questions remain, however. Federal rules enforced by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission restrict event contracts connected to gambling or activities that may violate state or federal law. It is not yet clear how poker-based contracts fit within those boundaries.
Prediction markets have already faced legal challenges over sports-related contracts. Several states have argued these offerings resemble unlicensed sports betting, leading to court battles and cease-and-desist orders in places like Tennessee and Maryland.
Kalshi has seen mixed results in court so far, winning some early cases but losing others at the state level. Lawmakers have also raised concerns about age limits and consumer protections tied to these platforms.
