Wisconsin Warns Election Bettors Could Lose Voting Rights

Wisconsin election officials have issued a warning to residents ahead of upcoming elections, stating that individuals who place wagers on election outcomes may lose their eligibility to vote in those same contests and could face additional legal consequences.

The warning comes as prediction markets continue to expand in popularity across the United States. Platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket allow users to trade contracts tied to the outcomes of real-world events, including elections, sports competitions and weather-related developments. While supporters view these markets as financial exchanges, Wisconsin election authorities have taken the position that participation in election-related contracts may conflict with state voting laws.

The Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) recently approved a memorandum addressing prediction markets and election-related wagering. Following a unanimous vote by commissioners earlier this month, the agency released a public notice outlining the legal risks that could arise for voters who participate in election-based betting and then cast ballots in those same races.

“We want voters to understand that they cannot legally make a bet on an election and cast a ballot in that same election,” WEC Administrator Meagan Wolfe said according to WFVR Green Bay. “We are not able to police someone placing a bet on these platforms, but it’s important for voters to understand the consequences if they bet on an election outcome.”

Wisconsin Law Links Election Wagers to Voting Eligibility

According to the commission, Wisconsin statutes contain provisions that directly address betting on election outcomes.

Election officials pointed to Wisconsin Statute § 6.03(2), which states that a person may not vote in an election if they have become involved, either directly or indirectly, in a bet or wager tied to that election’s result. The commission also highlighted Wisconsin Statute § 12.13(1)(a), which classifies intentional voting by an unqualified individual as a Class I felony.

Under the commission’s interpretation, residents who participate in election-related prediction markets and then attempt to vote could face administrative challenges regarding their voter qualifications. If those challenges succeed, the individual could be prevented from casting a ballot and may also be referred to a district attorney.

A legal memorandum prepared by WEC counsel concluded that transactions conducted through election prediction markets fall within the scope of the state’s prohibition.

“Commission staff believe the prohibition against ‘any bet or wager depending upon the result of the election’ § 6.03(2) includes making trades on election-related prediction markets,” the memo says.

The commission’s warning arrives as Wisconsin prepares for primary elections in the coming weeks. Officials have emphasized the importance of ensuring compliance with election laws and maintaining confidence in the voting process.

Prediction Market Operators Reject Commission’s Interpretation

The commission’s position has drawn immediate criticism from prediction market operators, which maintain that their products do not constitute gambling.

Kalshi and Polymarket both allow users to take positions on future events, including election outcomes. The companies argue that these markets operate as regulated financial exchanges where participants trade event contracts rather than place traditional bets.

A spokesperson for Kalshi disputed the commission’s conclusions and expressed concern that the warning could discourage voter participation.

“Kalshi has hundreds of thousands of users in Wisconsin,” a Kalshi spokesperson said. “Implying they can’t vote because they use Kalshi is not only dishonest, it is voter suppression! If even a handful of our users in Wisconsin see this and get scared away from voting, that could EASILY swing an election.”

The company further criticized the commission’s announcement.

The spokesperson called WEC’s news release “incredibly dangerous to democracy,” and added “we hope the WEC retracts their statement before a court forces them to.”

In a separate statement, a Kalshi representative described the warning as “blatant voter suppression.”

Polymarket also challenged the commission’s stance. A spokesperson said the company would address the matter “through the appropriate legal process.”

At present, there are no active lawsuits specifically challenging the Wisconsin Elections Commission’s warning or the legality of election markets offered by Kalshi within the state.

Growing Scrutiny of Election Prediction Markets

The debate in Wisconsin reflects broader scrutiny of election-based prediction markets across the country.

Although federal law currently does not prohibit election prediction contracts nationwide, lawmakers in Washington have begun examining the issue. The proposed “Stop Trading On Predictions (STOP) Corrupt Bets Act of 2026” has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives and would prohibit prediction market wagering on elections if enacted.

The U.S. Senate has already adopted restrictions preventing senators and staff members from participating in prediction market betting.

Wisconsin officials have also taken steps regarding public employees. In May, Governor Tony Evers signed Executive Order #294, which bars executive branch employees from using nonpublic information obtained through government service to profit from prediction markets or assist others in doing so.

During discussions leading to the commission’s warning, Commissioner Ann Jacobs defended Wisconsin’s longstanding prohibition on election wagering. “You want people who have the ability to vote based upon who they believe is the best person for the job,” she said. “Not to line their pocketbooks.”