Prediction Markets: Investing, Trading, or Gambling?

Prediction markets have moved rapidly into the financial mainstream. Platforms including Kalshi and Polymarket are attracting extraordinary trading activity, with combined monthly volume recently surpassing $50 billion. Investors can now trade on the outcomes of everything from economic indicators and interest rates to sports, elections and cultural events.

But as the market expands, so does a fundamental debate: Where does investing and trading end—and gambling begin?

FCS Chicago is excited to partner with Cboe Global Markets for a timely “Cocktails with Content” program examining one of the fastest-growing—and most closely watched—corners of the financial markets. As an established exchange operator, Cboe will bring firsthand insights on how it is building prediction market products, balancing innovation with investor protection while applying principles learned from more than 50 years of operating trusted markets.  

Join us on Tuesday, September 29 (4:30-6:30pm CT) at Cboe’s headquarters for this special “Cocktails with Content” event.

Our program will begin with a 20-minute market overview from Jackson Gutenplan, CFA, Market Structure Research Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence. Jackson will explore the evolution of prediction markets, the forces driving their dramatic growth, how the market works, who is participating and the regulatory questions that could shape what comes next.

He’ll then moderate a panel discussion bringing together industry perspectives on the opportunities, challenges and implications of this rapidly developing marketplace:

  • Joseph Green, Vice President, Business Strategy – Global Derivatives, Cboe Global Markets
  • Lorraine Gavican Kerr, Managing Director, Trader Education, Charles Schwab
  • Additional panelist to be confirmed.

For more information about the FCS Chicago chapter, please contact FCS CEO Kevin Windorf, [email protected].

  • Start September 29, 2026 04:30 PM CDT
  • End September 29, 2026 06:30 PM CDT
  • Location Cboe Global Markets The Old Post Office 433 W Van Buren St. Chicago

Tickets

Speakers

Presenter/Moderator Jackson Gutenplan

Market Structure Research Analyst

Jackson Gutenplan, CFA, Market Structure Research Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence, which he joined in 2020.

Panelist Joseph Green

Vice President, Business Strategy – Global Derivatives

Joseph Green, Vice President, Business Strategy – Global Derivatives, Cboe Global Markets, which he joined in 2011.

Panelist Lorraine Gavican Kerr

Managing Director, Trader Education

Lorraine Gavican Kerr is Managing Director, Trader Education, at Charles Schwab, which she joined in 2020.

Sponsors