Kalshi Plans to Launch Parlay-Like Prediction Contracts Before NFL Season Starts

Kalshi is getting ready to grow its product range by adding parlay-like event contracts to its prediction market, which the federal government oversees. The company has sent paperwork to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) asking for the green light to offer contracts that let users bet on several outcomes at the same time — this setup looks a lot like the parlay bets you can find at regular sportsbooks.

Kalshi Gets Ready to Launch NFL Parlay-Like Contracts With New “Will Happen in ?” Market

The new product called “Will happen in ?,” covers a wide range of possibilities from how individual players do and game stats to long-term achievements like making it to the playoffs or winning championships. Events could be single games, whole weeks of games, playoff matches, or even career-long accomplishments.

Kalshi’s filing details how payouts will be worked out by multiplying the odds of each part, with final returns rounded down to the nearest penny. This is like how bookies figure out parlay payouts, though the exchange setup means that each part of the bet must already have active money in the market. By using this approach, Kalshi aims to steer clear of the cash shortages that caused problems for earlier multi-event bets, like those offered for award shows such as the Oscars and Grammys.

This change happens right as the NFL season begins on September 4. Kalshi plans to roll out football-specific contracts right away, backed by a set of rules called FOOTBALLSTATS. The filing also limits who can take part: it bans current and former players, coaches, league staff, and their families from trading. This aims to stop conflicts of interest or possible manipulation.

Kalshi Aims for Bigger Wins With Bundled Parlays 

Unlike sportsbooks, where bettors can build their own same-game parlays, Kalshi plans to start with pre-set combinations.

People who watch the industry point out that putting a price on related outcomes, like a star running back scoring a touchdown in the same game his team wins, is much harder in an exchange model where all positions need counterparties to match them. Even so, offering packaged parlays might appeal to customers who want bigger payouts than single-event contracts give.

Parlays have a significant impact on gambling operators’ profits, often yielding much higher hold percentages compared to straight bets. In New Jersey, parlays make up almost half of sportsbook revenue despite accounting for a small part of total betting handle. If Kalshi succeeds in adapting this format to a regulated prediction market, it could create an important new way to make money and further mix financial-style trading platforms with traditional sports betting.

The CFTC does not often step in to stop self-certified contracts, so approval is very likely. If Kalshi launches these parlay markets as planned, it would mark another move in the company’s quick growth, as it tries to meet demand from bettors before what is expected to be a competitive NFL season.