The rapidly evolving landscape of prediction markets has seen a significant development with Kalshi, a regulated U.S.-based platform, now accepting deposits in Solana (SOL). This strategic integration marks a pivotal step in expanding accessibility for cryptocurrency users, following the earlier adoption of Bitcoin deposits. The move signals Kalshi’s commitment to broadening its user base and enhancing engagement within the burgeoning digital asset space, particularly among those keen on leveraging blockchain technology for real-world event predictions.
Integrating Solana and Expanding Accessibility
The ability for users to fund their Kalshi accounts with Solana is facilitated through a partnership with Zero Hash. This collaboration is crucial not only for processing transactions but also for ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and maintaining robust security protocols, as Zero Hash manages the conversion of crypto contributions into US dollars. This new feature builds upon Kalshi’s existing support for Bitcoin deposits, reflecting a clear trajectory towards increased crypto integration.
Kalshi, which is regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), allows investors to trade contracts based on the outcomes of real-world events. The platform boasts an extensive array of markets, including over 50 specific to cryptocurrency, where users can speculate on events like Bitcoin price thresholds, legislative developments, and significant adoption milestones. For instance, the platform features markets centered on cryptocurrencies’ projected highs and lows in 2025, alongside predictions concerning headlines such as current US President Donald Trump‘s proposed National Bitcoin Reserve. In total, Kalshi offers more than 300 markets across 12 primary categories.
Strategic Collaborations and Market Trajectory
The introduction of Solana deposits is part of a broader strategy involving several key partnerships aimed at expanding Kalshi’s reach. Notably, Kalshi recently launched a mini-app within World App, enabling users to access regulated prediction markets directly from the World App interface and even utilize Worldcoin (WLD) for funding their accounts. Furthermore, in an indication of its forward-thinking approach, Kalshi announced an integration with Elon Musk’s xAI to provide AI-generated insights for real-world event betting, although this specific collaboration was subsequently called off. These initiatives underscore Kalshi’s ambition to innovate and capture new segments of the market.
In terms of financial performance, Kalshi has demonstrated notable growth. In early 2025, the platform reached monthly trading volumes of approximately $13 million, with a peak of $26 million observed in October 2024. During the intense US election season, deposits of USDC for betting on Kalshi Circle surged, reaching up to $25 million.
Competing in the Prediction Market Space: Kalshi vs. Polymarket
The prediction market sector is experiencing rapid expansion in the U.S., operating under different regulatory frameworks compared to traditional sports betting or online gambling. Both Kalshi and its prominent competitor, Polymarket, are currently legal across all 50 U.S. states. However, they differ significantly in their operational models and fee structures.
Polymarket has gained traction by not charging trading fees, allowing users to buy and sell shares on outcomes with ease. It charges a 1.5% fee for cashing out USDC, with network fees remaining low due to its Polygon blockchain foundation. Notably, Polymarket announced its own support for SOL deposits into user wallets on March 25, which has intensified the competition with Kalshi.
In contrast, Kalshi implements a different fee structure. It charges a 2% fee for each account withdrawal. Additionally, a 1% trading fee applies, capped at 10% of net profits, alongside a 10% settlement fee on net wins. Deposit and withdrawal fees can vary based on the payment method. While Polymarket operates in a somewhat less regulated “legal gray area” with its decentralized, blockchain-based approach, Kalshi offers a fully CFTC-regulated environment that also accepts traditional currency, potentially appealing more to conventional users seeking established oversight.
The contrasting approaches to regulation and fees highlight the evolving dynamics within the prediction market industry. As both platforms continue to expand their digital asset support, including Solana, the competition is set to drive further innovation and user engagement in this growing financial sector.
🚨JUST IN: U.S.-based prediction market @Kalshi has enabled SOL deposits, allowing users to fund their accounts with Solana for the first time. pic.twitter.com/VJfN7JbVDg
— SolanaFloor (@SolanaFloor) May 23, 2025
Senior Crypto Correspondent with over 8 years of experience covering Bitcoin, altcoins, and blockchain technology for leading financial publications. Alexander holds a master’s degree in Financial Economics and specializes in in-depth market analysis, regulatory updates, and interviews with top industry figures.