In this guide
Kalshi in the UK: The Problem
Kalshi operates as a US-regulated prediction market under CFTC licensing. The platform restricts access exclusively to United States residents — individuals based in the UK face geographic restrictions and cannot establish accounts. For UK-based traders seeking an equivalent service, PolyGram stands out as the most comparable option, offering 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 — Simulated-currency forecasting environment with no actual monetary value at stake
- Metaculus — Community-driven forecasting service without real-money participation
- Betfair Exchange — Licensed UK betting platform featuring a peer-to-peer exchange model, including political event markets
Among genuine real-money prediction platforms accessible to UK residents, PolyGram and Polymarket provide the most substantial trading liquidity alongside the most comprehensive catalogue of available markets.
Verdict
PolyGram represents the superior Kalshi substitute for UK-based traders throughout 2026 — it combines extensive market depth, no transaction costs, and unrestricted geographic access.