Prediction Markets Ask Influencers to Remove Posts Questioning Los Angeles Election Results
Kalshi and Polymarket directed paid partners to delete social media posts that cast doubt on the outcome of the Los Angeles mayoral election. The platforms cited internal rules that prohibit affiliates from questioning the integrity of election results.
thehindubusinessline.comKalshi and Polymarket told several paid influencers to remove social media posts that questioned the results of the Los Angeles mayoral election. The requests came after posts appeared from creators who had received compensation from the platforms. One post suggested that election opponents were "stealing" the race, while another claimed that improved odds for one candidate reflected public distrust in California elections.
Kalshi asked creators to delete the posts last Friday.
The company maintains rules that bar affiliates from questioning the integrity or accuracy of official election results and related legal rulings. "These are internal policies to guide our affiliates and partners, and they include standards around the promotion of and marketing of Kalshi markets on elections," a Kalshi spokesperson told Wired.
Polymarket separately asked two creators to remove paid partnership tags from posts critical of the election results. One post remained tagged as paid content from June 4 until June 8. "Our existing marketing guidelines explicitly prohibit affiliates from providing misleading or false information and we will continue to monitor and ensure compliance with our paid contributors," Polymarket deputy chief legal officer Olivia Chalos said in a statement.
Other posts labeled as paid partnerships with both platforms that promote election denial narratives remain online. Polymarket stated it is pursuing additional accounts that have violated its policies. The companies offer politics and elections-themed markets whose odds are increasingly referenced in media coverage.
Both platforms face ongoing regulatory scrutiny from state officials who argue they should be regulated as gambling platforms rather than commodities exchanges. Lawsuits seeking to apply state gambling laws to the platforms are pending in multiple jurisdictions.
Lawmakers have also raised concerns about potential insider trading and market manipulation within these markets.
