You have to be at least 18 to use Kalshi. That’s younger than the 21 most US states require for sports betting and casinos, because Kalshi is regulated as a federal financial exchange by the CFTC rather than as a gambling operator. You’ll need to verify your identity, including your date of birth, when you sign up.
Why 18 and not 21?
State gambling laws set the age for sportsbooks and casinos, and most states chose 21. Kalshi operates under federal commodities law, which generally allows adults from 18 to open trading accounts, the same as a brokerage. That difference applies to every Kalshi market, sports included.
The push to raise it
The age gap has become one of the main arguments against sports prediction markets. The NCAA, NFL, NBA and PGA Tour have called for the minimum age for trading sports contracts to be raised to 21. According to figures Kalshi shared in 2026, users aged 18 to 21 make up about 3% of transactions on the platform, with billions of dollars traded by that age group, mostly on sports and parlays. Several of the state lawsuits against prediction markets also cite underage access.
As of October 2026 Kalshi’s minimum age remains 18. If federal rules or a settlement change it, we’ll update this page.
Other platforms
| Platform | Minimum age |
|---|---|
| Kalshi | 18 |
| Polymarket (main exchange and US app) | 18, or higher where local law requires |
| US sportsbooks (most states) | 21 |
Some newer sports-focused apps set 21 as their own minimum. Check each app’s terms.
What you need to sign up
- Proof of age and identity: your name, date of birth, address and, typically, the last digits of your Social Security number, with a photo ID if automatic checks can’t verify you.
- A US bank account or card for deposits, or a supported crypto wallet.
- To live in a supported location; some sports markets may be unavailable in states fighting Kalshi in court.
FAQ
Can you use Kalshi at 18?
Is Kalshi 21+ for sports?
Does Kalshi check your age?
Related: What is Kalshi? · Kalshi profile