Los Angeles therapists report more young adults seeking gambling treatment as Kalshi expands
Regulation · SectorWire deskSource published
Summary
Addiction specialists in Los Angeles say more young people are seeking help for gambling problems as prediction markets grew in popularity during the World Cup. Kalshi, the largest federally regulated prediction market in the US, handled about $1.1bn in World Cup contracts. Prediction markets remain legal in California despite the state's ban on sports betting.
Why it matters
Operators and regulators face pressure to address prediction markets that draw young adults into gambling outside state licensing regimes.
Cite as: SectorWire, “Los Angeles therapists report more young adults seeking gambling treatment as Kalshi expands”, 20 July 2026, https://sectorwire.news/item/los-angeles-therapists-report-more-young-adults-seeking-gambling-treat/