Kalshi bans Maine Republican for betting on own candidacy

The online prediction market platform Kalshi has issued disciplinary actions against several individuals, including former Maine Republican gubernatorial candidate Ben Midgley. Midgley was suspended from the platform for three years and fined $5,434 after betting less than $1,000 on his own primary candidacy.

Kalshi stated that the wagers violated company rules prohibiting trading by anyone who acts as a “decision maker” or has influence over the outcome of an event. Midgley, who finished second in the ranked-choice Republican primary in June, stated he was unaware that candidates were prohibited from supporting themselves and viewed the platform as a source of entertainment.

In a separate disciplinary action, Kalshi issued a permanent ban and a $71,356 fine to former Republican Representative George Santos of New York.