Bipartisan Majority Opposes Election Betting in Reuters/Ipsos Survey

A Reuters/Ipsos poll finds clear majorities across party lines reject betting on U.S. elections. The survey of 4,506 adults, covered in an InGame report, shows opposition whether the wagering occurs on prediction markets or elsewhere.

Among Democrats, 69% oppose election betting, 12% support it and 18% are unsure. Republicans register 61% opposed, 16% in favor and 23% undecided. Only 7% of respondents said they had risked real money on a prediction market. 75% consider trading on those platforms a form of gambling.

Persistent Activity on Midterm and 2028 Markets

Election betting continues regardless. As of Tuesday morning, Democratic control was priced at 62% at Kalshi, 64% at Polymarket, 63% at Robinhood, and 64% at PredictIt. One week earlier, those respective numbers were 65, 65, 66, and 65. Democratic chances of holding the House remained at 90-91% across major platforms. In the Nevada governor race, Aaron Ford led Joe Lombardo by slim margins: 55-46 on Polymarket, 51-48 on PredictIt, 52-48 on Kalshi and even at 50-50 on Robinhood.

Markets for the 2028 presidential election list several close scenarios at the top of Kalshi contracts, with PredictIt pricing Democrats at 60 cents and the Republicans at 41.

Public Sentiment Versus Market Reality

The poll underscores a sharp divide between widespread public disapproval and the volume of contracts now traded on election outcomes. With three weeks until Election Day, the data invite operators and regulators to weigh how sustained negative views could shape oversight of these platforms going forward. Any expansion of election-linked products will likely face headwinds where perception tracks closely to gambling.

Reporting: InGame

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