Predicting the Future: The State of Event Contracts and Prediction Markets in 2026

Wednesday, April 22, 2026 | 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Networking Reception 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Format: In-Person

Register for the In-Person Program

Program Co-Chairs:
Christian A. Johnson
Widener University Commonwealth Law School

Lauren W. Pederson
Wagner Pederson LLC

Edward So
Hogan Lovells

Alice Yurke
Dentons US LLP

  • During the past decade, prediction markets and event contracts have emerged as significant financial instruments, raising complex questions about federal and state regulatory authority. As the CFTC refines its approach to these products and courts grapple with the distinction between gambling and trading, practitioners face an evolving legal landscape. Experts and distinguished guests will discuss how emerging regulations, recent litigation, and competing legal frameworks impact event contracts and prediction markets.

    Program Fee:
    $149 Members | $249 Nonmembers


  • Keynote Speaker:
    Dan M. Berkovitz: Vice Chairman, External and Regulatory Affairs, Millennium, former General Counsel, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and former Commissioner and General Counsel, U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission

    Moderator:
    Gary E. Kalbaugh, Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP

    Nicholas Green, General Counsel, Underdog Fantasy

    Rick Heaslip, General Counsel and Chief Regulatory Officer, Kalshi Inc.

    Charles Mills, Partner, Bracewell LLP

  • 4:00 pm – 4:05 pm
    Welcome and Overview     (Committee Chair) 

    4:05 pm – 5:05 pm
    Roundtable Discussion: Taking Action on Event Contracts and Prediction Markets

    • CFTC regulation of prediction markets.
    • Novel products and recent developments in the prediction market space.
    • Trading and clearing of event contracts; direct retail clearing membership.
    • Gambling or Trading? Litigation, state law issues, Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, and the status of lawsuits.

    Moderator: Gary E. Kalbaugh, Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP
    Nicholas Green, General Counsel, Underdog Fantasy
    Rick Heaslip, General Counsel and Chief Regulatory Officer, Kalshi Inc.
    Charles Mills, Partner, Bracewell LLP

    5:05 pm – 5:15 pm
    Break

    5:15 pm – 6:00 pm
    Fireside Chat: The Evolving Regulatory Landscape
    Keynote Speaker: Dan M. Berkovitz: Vice Chairman, External and Regulatory Affairs, Millennium, former General Counsel, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and former Commissioner and General Counsel, U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission

    6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
    Networking Reception

  • New York: 1.0 Professional Practice
    New Jersey: 1.0 General
    California: 1.0 General
    Pennsylvania: 1.0 General
    Connecticut: Available to Licensed Attorneys

  • Thank you to our sponsors




    Sponsoring Association Committee:
    Futures and Derivatives Regulation, Maria Chiodi, Chair

    Sponsorship Opportunities are Available! Please Contact:
    Yelena Balashchenko, Manager, Business Development & Sponsorships | (212) 382-6608 | ybalashchenko@nycbar.org

Register for the In-Person Program

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