Chris Christie Who Helped Get Sports Betting Prohibition Overturned Calls Prediction Markets 'Rogue'

Appearing on MSNOW's "Morning Joe" Wednesday morning, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie referred to prediction markets as "rogue" operators. 

Kalshi has led the way in the prediction market space, claiming they can operate in all 50 US states. 

Christie says "not so fast". 

And he's not just some talking head. 

As Governor of New Jersey (2010–2018), Christie backed legislation to legalize sports betting at Atlantic City casinos and racetracks.  

Chris Christie: Prediction markets need to be regulated carefully https://t.co/ohmBxJkvp6 via @msnbc

— gambling911 (@gambling911) February 4, 2026

He forced the Constitutional showdown that resulted in the US Supreme Court overturning the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA),  Christie's legal challenges argued that the federal government cannot force states to enforce a federal prohibition and that PASPA violated the Tenth Amendment (states’ rights) In 2018, New Jersey became one of the first US states to begin regulating sports betting after PASPA was overturned. 

Christie stressed the importance of a state regulated framework. 

“They regulate for integrity of the game and work immediately with the leagues and with law enforcement," he said during his appearance on "Morning Joe".  "This regulated regime is how it should work."

Christie went on to blast prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket.  

“These prediction markets are breaking the law.  They are not subject to state regulation and do not have to pay taxes."

The former governor also warned that prediction markets do not protect consumers.   

"Prediction market customers cannot go to state regulators (for help).  We don’t want to ruin sports betting,” Christie added.

“The key here is we can’t mess this up.  It has increased the revenue to these leagues.  The consumers need to be protected.”

About $1.7 billion – $1.76 billion is expected to be bet legally on Super Bowl LX (2026).  These figures do not take into account offshore sportsbooks, local bookies or prediction markets. 

• Chris Costigan, Gambling911.com Publisher