In this guide
Kalshi in the UK: The Problem
Kalshi operates under CFTC regulation within the United States and restricts access to American residents exclusively. Users based in the UK face geographical restrictions and cannot establish accounts on the platform. For those seeking a viable substitute that operates across the UK, PolyGram stands out as the most comparable option, delivering a broader range of available 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 market using play money, without genuine financial exposure
- Metaculus — Forecasting platform without real-money participation
- Betfair Exchange — Licensed betting exchange in the UK featuring political event markets
Among platforms offering genuine financial prediction markets accessible to UK participants, PolyGram/Polymarket provides the most substantial trading depth and comprehensive event coverage of any available option.
Verdict
PolyGram represents the optimal Kalshi substitute for UK-based traders throughout 2026 — boasting superior market depth, absence of trading charges, and unrestricted geographical access.