CBS Bets Big on Prediction Markets for 2026 Midterms

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-10-02

CBS News just made a move that could change how you watch election night. The network has partnered with Kalshi, a prediction market platform, to bring real-time market forecasts into its coverage of the 2026 US midterm elections. The announcement was made on CBS Mornings by Anthony Salvanto, the network's executive director of elections and surveys. So what does this mean for you? Instead of just relying on traditional polls, CBS will now show you what the betting markets think will happen. It's like having a live scoreboard for politics. ### Why Prediction Markets Matter Prediction markets aren't new. They've been around for years, letting people buy and sell contracts on future events. The idea is simple: if you put money on something, you're more likely to be honest about what you think will happen. That's why these markets often outperform polls, especially in close races. Kalshi is a regulated exchange, so it's not some shady offshore operation. It's legal and overseen by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. That gives it a level of legitimacy that other prediction platforms might lack. ### What CBS Will Actually Do According to Salvanto, CBS will use Kalshi's data alongside its own polling, reporting, and analysis. Think of it as another tool in the toolbox. You'll see market odds displayed during broadcasts, and correspondents will reference them when discussing key races. CBS has also named Kalshi its official prediction market sponsor. That means you'll likely see Kalshi's branding during election coverage. It's a sponsorship deal, but it's also a sign that mainstream media is starting to take prediction markets seriously. > "Prediction markets are a real-time indicator of what people are willing to put their money on," Salvanto said. "It's a different kind of signal, and we think it adds value for our viewers." ### What This Means for You If you're someone who follows politics closely, this is a big deal. You'll get a more nuanced view of what's likely to happen. Instead of just hearing about polls, you'll see how the market reacts to news in real time. But it's not just about the horse race. Prediction markets can also give you insights into specific issues. For example, if there's a market on whether a certain bill will pass, you can see how likely that is. It's like having a crystal ball, but one that's based on collective wisdom rather than magic. ### The Bottom Line CBS's partnership with Kalshi is a sign that prediction markets are going mainstream. It's a bold move, and it could set a precedent for other networks. Whether you love it or hate it, it's going to make election coverage more interesting. So next time you're watching the midterms, keep an eye out for those market odds. They might just tell you more than any poll ever could.