Four Native American tribes partner with Kalshi for prediction apps

Four Native American tribes in Oklahoma and California have partnered with firm Kalshi. The groups plan to offer prediction market apps to support local public services.

An administrator for one California tribe said the effort centers on sovereignty and economic growth. He hopes proceeds will fund portable drinking water infrastructure for his isolated community.

Hundreds of other tribes oppose these ventures. They claim such business operations encroach directly on protected tribal gaming rights. Several tribal groups are challenging sports prediction markets in court.

The Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association shared a formal statement about these partnerships with FOX23.

“We view sports prediction market apps as undermining the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and Oklahoma/Tribal State compacts by allowing illegal Class III gaming to infringe upon the sovereignty of Tribal nations, and as undermining revenue streams that are critical to Tribal government programs and services.”

The association noted that only a handful of tribes signed contracts with Kalshi. None of those participating tribes hold membership within the organization. OIGA stated it remains committed to working with the Oklahoma legislature. The organization seeks new gaming options that serve member tribes and Oklahoman citizens.

Tribal-state compacts define gaming rules and legal boundaries between Native American governments and states. The federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act oversees these commercial agreements nationwide.

Several legal challenges remain ongoing. Native American communities across Oklahoma continue to evaluate the new market apps.