Texas Medical Association Urges 21+ Rule for Prediction Markets

The Texas Medical Association (TMA) is calling on state lawmakers to restrict prediction market platforms to users aged 21 and over, pointing to growing concerns about gambling related harm among young adults.

The recommendation comes as prediction markets continue expanding beyond politics and finance into sports, entertainment and other mainstream events. The TMA believes stronger safeguards are needed to help reduce the risks associated with increasingly accessible event based trading.

Doctors Want Stronger Consumer Protections

The TMA's proposal includes setting a minimum age of 21 for prediction market platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket.

The association says that younger adults may be more vulnerable to gambling related harm and that prediction markets share many of the same characteristics as traditional betting products. As a result, it believes the platforms should face similar consumer protection measures.

Alongside the proposed age limit, the group is also encouraging lawmakers to consider restrictions on advertising aimed at younger audiences, including marketing near schools and campaigns that feature cartoon characters or celebrities.

Prediction Markets Continue to Grow

The recommendations come as prediction markets attract more users across the U.S. Platforms including Kalshi and Polymarket have expanded their offerings in recent years, adding sports, entertainment and other event contracts that appeal to a wider audience.

That growth has brought greater attention from regulators, lawmakers and healthcare professionals, many of whom are examining whether existing consumer protection measures are enough as the industry evolves.

Debate Around Regulation Continues

The TMA's proposal adds another voice to the ongoing conversation surrounding prediction markets. While many legal challenges have focused on whether sports event contracts should be regulated under federal financial laws or state gambling laws, healthcare organisations are increasingly focusing on the potential social and public health impacts.

The association says introducing age restrictions would help reduce exposure among those younger users while allowing adults to continue accessing the platforms.

Consumer Safety Remains in Focus

The proposal does not create any new rules, but it could influence future discussions in Texas as lawmakers continue evaluating prediction markets.

Whether the state acts on the recommendations remains uncertain. However, the call from one of Texas' largest medical organisations highlights how the conversation around prediction markets is expanding beyond regulation and courtrooms to include consumer protection and responsible participation.

As the industry continues to grow, questions around who should be allowed to access prediction market platforms, and under what safeguards, are likely to remain part of the debate.

Stay tuned to UMG Gaming for more updates on prediction markets, regulation, and the latest developments shaping the future of event-based trading in the United States.