Moreno wants to stop senators from trading on prediction markets
A new resolution aims to close a potential ethics gap before it becomes a scandal
At a glance
What matters most
- Sen. Bernie Moreno introduced a resolution to ban senators from trading on prediction markets such as Kalshi and Polymarket
- The proposal would change Senate rules rather than create new criminal penalties
- Concerns center on potential misuse of insider knowledge, even if no laws are currently broken
- The move follows increased attention on political figures using prediction markets to bet on events like elections and policy shifts
Across the spectrum
What people are saying
A quick look at how the same story is being framed from different angles.
On the Left
This resolution highlights a real concern about accountability, but it doesn't go far enough. If we're serious about stopping insider advantage, we need stronger oversight and actual legal consequences, not just internal Senate rules that can be ignored. The fact that this is even a debate shows how far behind the curve ethics enforcement is.
In the Center
Moreno's push is a low-cost way to address a growing gray area. Prediction markets aren't traditional investments, but they can still reflect or amplify insider knowledge. Updating Senate rules to reflect new financial tools makes sense, even if no one's been caught misbehaving yet.
On the Right
This is common-sense reform that protects both lawmakers and the public. Senators shouldn't be in the position of profiting from political bets, even indirectly. Closing this loophole now prevents future scandals and shows Congress can act responsibly without overreach.
Full coverage
What you should know
Sen. Bernie Moreno has filed a resolution that would bar sitting senators from trading on prediction markets, platforms where users bet on the likelihood of future political and economic events. The Ohio Republican's move targets sites like Kalshi and Polymarket, which have gained popularity for letting people wager on everything from election outcomes to Federal Reserve decisions.
Moreno's resolution, introduced Friday, would amend the Senate's standing rules to prohibit members from participating in these markets. Unlike stock trading, which is already restricted for lawmakers under the STOCK Act, prediction markets aren't clearly covered by existing ethics rules. That gap has raised concerns that senators could use non-public information to place informed bets without technically breaking any laws.
The measure stops short of making such trading a federal crime. Instead, it would treat violations as a breach of Senate ethics, subject to internal discipline. That approach keeps the enforcement within Congress's control, avoiding the need for broader legislation or coordination with federal regulators.
Prediction markets have drawn more attention in recent years as they've grown in size and influence. Some analysts now watch them alongside polls and futures markets as indicators of political momentum. But their loosely regulated nature has sparked debate about whether they could become tools for speculation based on insider access-especially as more politicians and aides appear to be participating.
Moreno, a freshman senator and former businessman, has positioned himself as a reform-minded voice on ethics. In a statement, he said the goal isn't to target any individual but to protect public confidence. "When voters see lawmakers profiting from bets on policy outcomes, it looks bad-even if it's legal," he said. "We should close that perception gap before it becomes a real problem."
Supporters of the resolution say it's a preventive step, not a reaction to known abuses. Still, the timing follows reports of increased activity on prediction platforms by political insiders. Some trades have shown uncanny timing, fueling speculation about how much public officials might be leveraging their access.
The resolution now sits with the Senate Rules Committee. While it's unlikely to pass without broader buy-in, it could spark a wider conversation about how Congress polices itself in the age of digital markets.
About this author
Zwely News Staff compiles multi-source reporting into concise, viewpoint-aware coverage for readers who want context without noise.
Source Notes
Moreno seeking to ban senators from trading on prediction markets
Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-OH) introduced a resolution on Friday to ban sitting senators from trading on prediction markets, such as Kalshi or Polymarket. The freshman lawmaker’s measure is the latest instance of Congress seeking to regulate ins...
Moreno introduces resolution banning senators from prediction markets
Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) introduced a resolution on Friday that would ban senators from participating in prediction markets amid concerns about potential insider trading on the platforms. The resolution would amend the Senate rules to in...
Senators Would Be Barred From Using Prediction Markets Under New Bill
The measure would modify the standing rules of the Senate rather than create a new federal criminal statute.
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