Regulation
Self-certification
The process by which a CFTC-regulated exchange lists a new contract by certifying that it complies with the law, without prior approval.
Under CFTC rules a DCM can list a contract one business day after filing a certification. The Commission can review contracts that may involve gaming, war, terrorism or activity against the public interest, but in 2025 and 2026 it allowed sports and election contracts to proceed, a change from the position it took in 2024.
Self-certification is how hundreds of sports markets appeared on Kalshi within weeks and why states felt bypassed. It is at the center of the preemption fight.
A contract that is self-certified is not thereby legal in every state; that is the question the courts are deciding.
📱 Compare how the same event is priced across venues on Polymtrade.Referral link. 18+.
Where you will see it on BetG8
More regulation terms
Frequently asked questions
- What does "Self-certification" mean?
- The process by which a CFTC-regulated exchange lists a new contract by certifying that it complies with the law, without prior approval.
- Why does self-certification matter for prediction markets?
- A contract that is self-certified is not thereby legal in every state; that is the question the courts are deciding.