Zohran Mamdani is concerned about the social impact of gambling, but supports Kalshi
New York’s newly elected mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has made it clear that he is skeptical about expanding casino development in the city. While his position doesn’t amount to outright opposition, it signals potential challenges for the state’s ongoing efforts to approve new downstate casino projects. Mamdani, a Queens assemblyman before his mayoral win, said he remains wary of large-scale gambling’s social impact but intends to respect the will of voters who previously approved casino expansion.
Currently, only three bids remain for New York’s available casino licenses. Mamdani has stated he will not use his position to block any of the proposals, even though his personal stance leans against widespread gambling. “I’ve been open about my skepticism, and yet I also know this is the law,” he said during his campaign. His measured approach suggests he may favor a cautious review process over aggressive casino growth, focusing on balancing economic benefits with community concerns.
Interestingly, Mamdani’s skepticism toward physical casinos contrasts with his public embrace of online prediction markets. During his campaign, he referenced Kalshi, a prediction platform where users can bet on real-world events. On a podcast appearance sponsored by Kalshi, Mamdani joked that a friend had wagered $1,000 on his election victory. At that time, Kalshi listed his odds at 93%, and the company later amplified his remarks on social media, framing them as an endorsement of their platform.
Kalshi, however, is currently embroiled in a legal dispute with the New York State Gaming Commission, which issued a ceaseand-desist order accusing it of operating illegally within the state. The timing of Mamdani’s remarks drew attention, as they coincided with the platform’s lawsuit against regulators.
Despite his reservations about traditional casinos, Mamdani’s openness toward digital prediction markets hints at a more modern — and potentially controversial — view of gambling in New York’s political future.
