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Kalshi Hands Out Free Groceries in NYC as Polymarket Unveils Free Store and $1 Million Donation

The marketing blitz highlights rising food costs alongside questions over prediction‑market regulation.

Overview

  • Kalshi executed a one‑day giveaway at Westside Market in the East Village starting at noon, covering up to $50 per shopper with a $50,000 cap, drawing long lines observed by Business Insider.
  • The promotion was advertised as first‑come, first‑served with a noon–3 p.m. window, and some operational details were not clarified in advance, while Kalshi emphasized it runs a federally regulated exchange.
  • Polymarket announced it signed a lease for “The Polymarket,” a free grocery store opening in New York City on February 12 with no purchase required and access promised to all New Yorkers.
  • Polymarket said it donated $1 million to Food Bank For NYC, which the company described as an operating partner for the planned pop‑up.
  • The high‑visibility activations arrive as New York officials signal tighter oversight of prediction markets, including an attorney general warning about unlicensed wagering and a newly introduced state bill.