US SEC Chairman: Prediction markets are a "huge problem," and legal attention is steadily increasing.

PANews reported on February 13th that, according to The Block, SEC Chairman Paul Atkins stated at a Senate Banking Committee hearing that prediction markets are a "huge problem" and a shared regulatory focus with Commodity Futures Trading Commission Chairman Michael Selig. Atkins pointed out that prediction markets have "potential jurisdictional overlap," currently primarily under the jurisdiction of the CFTC, but the two agencies will work together. When asked about the development of clear rules, he said "we'll have to wait and see," adding that "securities are securities, and the definition of prediction markets and their products depends on the specific wording." CFTC Chairman Selig stated that he will ensure "reasonable rules and safeguards" are in place for prediction markets to prevent them from being pushed overseas.

The question of who has the right to regulate prediction markets has become a focal point of contention between federal and state governments. Operators argue that, under the Commodity Exchange Act, all event contracts should fall under the jurisdiction of the CFTC; while some states argue that these platforms involve activities such as sports betting, violating local gambling laws. Prediction markets have also recently received additional attention due to insider trading allegations and restrictive legislation targeting political betting.