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UK regulator weighs easing financial prediction market ban: Times
The regulator is weighing whether speculative contracts should be judged by risk rather than product label as overseas platforms draw millions of U.K. users.
- Britain's Financial Conduct Authority recently held discussions with trading platforms about potentially easing its retail ban on financial-event prediction markets, according to The Times. The regulator has announced no official policy changes as of September 7, 2026.
- Since 2019, the FCA has maintained a permanent prohibition on firms selling binary options to retail consumers, maintaining that these contracts resemble gambling and carry high risks of losses. The regulator cited inherent conflicts because providers often profited when customers lost money.
- Industry representatives argued that millions of Britons already access overseas sites like Kalshi and Polymarket. Some users reportedly circumvent geographic restrictions through virtual private networks, placing them outside protections offered by authorized British firms.
- Financial and climate event contracts require FCA approval, while sports and political markets fall under the Gambling Commission's authority. This dual oversight complicates potential market entry for platforms seeking to offer broad contract ranges.
- The FCA's recent discussion paper explored whether restrictions should depend on a product's risks rather than its label, signaling potential openness to reform. However, no formal proposals exist and the regulator has not provided a deadline for potential rule changes.
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The New York Ledger
The New York LedgerUK Financial Watchdog Weighs Lifting Prediction Markets Ban: Report
The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority was reportedly weighing removing a retail investor ban on prediction markets amid industry lobbying and reports of bypassing restrictions.
·New York, United States
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UK regulator weighs easing financial prediction market ban: Times
·New York, United States
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Esports Prediction Markets Could Come To UK
UK prediction market regulations could change to allow residents to access platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket, including for esports events. Currently, popular US platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket are blocked in the country, but users are increasingly accessing the sites through VPNs. As a result, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is weighing up lifting the ban on the products. Companies may, however, require gambling licenses to …
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