Greg Belfrage Podcasts

October 12, 2026 - Belf's News Gallery

Prediction markets, the online platforms where people buy and sell shares tied to the outcome of future events, are booming. Combined monthly trading volume on the two biggest, Kalshi and Polymarket, hit $53 billion in July, more than double what it was in May.

Americans can bet on something as low stakes as whether President Donald Trump will say "sleepy Joe" this week or as high stakes as who will control Congress. CNN runs a live Kalshi ticker during segments that feature the data, while CNBC and Fox have signed their own deals with the company, just in time for the midterm elections.

The more mainstream these markets become, the more they invite corruption. Candidates and campaign staffers can profit from information the public doesn't have, such as an internal poll or a decision to drop out of a race. And now that the odds are on TV, anyone with enough money has a reason to try to move them.

Prediction markets, the online platforms where people buy and sell shares tied to the outcome of future events, are booming. Combined monthly trading volume on the two biggest, Kalshi and Polymarket, hit $53 billion in July, more than double what it was in May.
Americans can bet on something as low stakes as whether President Donald Trump will say "sleepy Joe" this week or as high stakes as who will control Congress. CNN runs a live Kalshi ticker during segments that feature the data, while CNBC and Fox have signed their own deals with the company, just in time for the midterm elections.
The&nbsp;more mainstream these markets become, the more they invite corruption. Candidates and campaign staffers can profit from information the public doesn't have, such as an internal poll or a decision to drop out of a race. And now that the odds are on TV, anyone with enough money has a reason to try to move them.

October 12, 2026 - Gambling on Politics?

Australia's parliament is arguing this morning about whether their people should be allowed to see the Fort Hood execution if it is livestreamed. A Greens senator wants the government to block it and fine YouTube, Meta and the rest if the video shows up. She called it barbaric. The government said the pictures would be distressing, especially for kids, and that the platforms have a duty to keep it off feeds. They already have the power to order a site to take something down. The other side of their own parliament asked what else you can block once you build that machinery. 

 

Australia's parliament is arguing this morning about whether their people should be allowed to see the Fort Hood execution if it is livestreamed. A Greens senator wants the government to block it and fine YouTube, Meta and the rest if the video shows up. She called it barbaric. The government said the pictures would be distressing, especially for kids, and that the platforms have a duty to keep it off feeds. They already have the power to order a site to take something down. The other side of their own parliament asked what else you can block once you build that machinery.&nbsp;
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October 12, 2026 - Don't People Have the Right to Watch? 

In the Top of the News Stack, James Talarico has been MIA for the last 2 weeks. People on social media are saying Talarico has been in a mental health hospital. 

President Trump announced an energy cease fire between Russia and Ukraine. 

President Trump also has announced a new press secretary, Katie Zacharia will take her place behind the podium today. 

 

 

In the Top of the News Stack, James Talarico has been MIA for the last 2 weeks. People on social media are saying Talarico has been in a mental health hospital.&nbsp;
President Trump announced an energy cease fire between Russia and Ukraine.&nbsp;
President Trump also has announced a new press secretary, Katie Zacharia will take her place behind the podium today.&nbsp;
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October 12, 2026 - Belf's News Gallery

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