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California Lawmakers Call for Crackdown on Wildfire Betting on Some Prediction Markets

Ann Skeet, senior director, leadership ethics, quoted by CBC News.

People are betting on wildfires. Wagers include questions about when a wildfire could start, the duration of a fire, how far it will spread, and if homes will burn. Prediction marketplace Kalshi says their service prohibits betting on these types of events. Other marketplaces don't have restrictions.

Ann Skeet, senior director of leadership ethics questions what allowing these types of bets says about society.

"The fabric of society is fraying a little bit when we're betting on the harm and demise of our neighbors," Skeet told CBS News.

 

Ann Skeet, senior director, leadership ethics, quoted by CBC News.

Aug 12, 2026
Ethics
media, leadership, government