Kalshi in the UK: The Problem
Kalshi operates under CFTC regulation as a US-based prediction market platform. The service restricts access exclusively to United States residents; individuals in the UK face geographical restrictions and cannot establish accounts. For UK-based traders seeking a comparable platform, PolyGram represents the most suitable substitute, offering an expanded range of tradeable markets.
PolyGram vs Kalshi: Direct Comparison
| Feature | Kalshi | PolyGram (via Polymarket) |
|---|---|---|
| UK availability | ❌ US only | ✅ Full UK access |
| Regulation | CFTC-licensed | On-chain / UMA oracle |
| Settlement | USD | USDC (Polygon) |
| Trading fee | Up to 2.5% | 0% on PolyGram |
| Market volume | Moderate | $10B+ lifetime (Polymarket) |
| Market types | Politics, economics | Politics, sports, crypto, world events |
| API access | Yes (US) | Yes (CLOB API) |
| Mobile app | iOS/Android | PWA (iOS/Android) |
Other Kalshi Alternatives
- Manifold Markets — Prediction platform using play currency, with no genuine monetary exposure
- Metaculus — Forecasting service without real-money trading capabilities
- Betfair Exchange — Licensed UK betting exchange featuring political event markets
Among genuine-money prediction platforms accessible to UK residents, PolyGram and Polymarket deliver the most substantial order book depth alongside the broadest spectrum of available markets across any UK-permitted venue.
Verdict
For UK traders in 2026, PolyGram stands as the superior Kalshi replacement — boasting richer market liquidity, no transaction costs, and unrestricted geographical access.