Kalshi to Launch 24/7 Operations Starting August 7 to Meet Rising Esports Betting Demand

Kalshi has announced it will begin operating 24/7 starting August 7, 2025, a move aimed at meeting the growing demand for continuous access to esports and gaming prediction markets. The decision, finalized on August 4, reflects pressure from esports communities and digital betting enthusiasts for around-the-clock availability—especially for late-night matches.

New Hours to Match Global Esports Schedules

To better align with the international nature of esports events—many of which occur in the middle of the night for U.S. audiences, such as the 2025 Esports World Cup—Kalshi is moving beyond its previous 8 AM to 3 AM ET schedule. Beginning August 7, the platform will operate continuously, with the only planned downtime for maintenance taking place every Thursday from 3:00 to 5:00 AM ET.

This update means users across time zones will be able to place bets in real-time, no matter when a tournament kicks off. In parallel with this shift, Kalshi is expanding its offerings to include new titles such as Teamfight Tactics, catering to a growing base of esports bettors.

Expanding Into Game-Related Predictions

Beyond competitive esports, Kalshi is branching into game industry predictions. Users will soon be able to bet on major releases—such as the launch price of Grand Theft Auto 6—attracting more casual gamers who may not follow esports but are deeply engaged with gaming culture and market trends.

Kalshi will continue to offer its core prediction markets tied to real-world events, including elections, inflation reports, and breaking news. The 24/7 format allows political traders to react instantly to late-night headlines or social media activity from influential figures.

Regulatory Reaction and Oversight

Kalshi’s decision has sparked mixed reactions from regulators and industry groups. Caroline A. Pham, Acting Chair of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), previously called for public feedback on Kalshi’s proposal. While recognizing its potential benefits, Pham also emphasized the need for robust risk management.

“As I’ve consistently said, the CFTC must take a forward-looking approach to changes in market structure,” Pham noted, “to ensure our markets remain dynamic, resilient, and safe for all participants.”

However, trade groups such as the Managed Funds Association (MFA) and the Futures Industry Association (FIA) expressed concerns about the platform’s infrastructure readiness and compliance risks. Kalshi filed notice of the change via self-certification with the CFTC on July 23. Watchdog group Better Markets criticized the move, citing gaps in regulatory oversight.

Industry Trends and Platform Comparisons

Kalshi’s shift mirrors broader trends in fintech. Coinbase, for example, began offering 24/7 crypto derivatives trading in May 2025. The appeal of constant access to financial products is growing—but so are the challenges, including maintaining liquidity during off-peak hours and ensuring system stability. Experts have also raised concerns about the psychological toll of nonstop trading, such as fatigue and burnout among users.

Still, the move opens new doors for Kalshi globally. Round-the-clock service improves access for users outside the U.S., particularly in Asia and Europe, positioning the platform to become a significant player in the global prediction market space.

Legal Hurdles Remain

Despite the expansion, Kalshi continues to face legal challenges in several U.S. states. A recent court ruling in Maryland sided against the platform based on state gambling laws. While some states remain resistant, jurisdictions like Nevada and New Jersey support Kalshi’s operations.

The 24/7 rollout aligns with the habits of a younger, digitally-native audience accustomed to continuous connectivity. Kalshi’s partnership with Robinhood Markets could further expand its reach by integrating prediction markets into mobile-first investing apps, drawing in more casual users.