Kalshi hands Maine Republican Ben Midgley 3-year ban for betting on his own bid for governor

Maine Governor Candidate Ben Midgley Banned from Kalshi After Betting on Own Race

Maine’s former Republican gubernatorial candidate, Ben Midgley, has been suspended from the online betting platform Kalshi for three years and fined $5,434 after the company determined that his wagers on the 2026 Republican primary violated its rules. The disciplinary action was announced on August 28, 2026, and appears part of a broader crackdown on suspicious trading by political figures on prediction‑market sites.

Midgley, a fitness‑franchise executive who finished second in Maine’s ranked‑choice Republican primary for governor, placed several bets totaling less than $1,000 on the outcome of that contest. Kalshi’s notice of settlement explained that the platform’s rules bar “any person who is a decision maker, either directly or indirectly, or has any influence, directly or indirectly, on the outcome of the event” from placing trades. Because Midgley was a candidate whose campaign could affect the race’s result, Kalshi classified him as a decision maker and deemed his bets unlawful.

“In as a candidate, Midgley qualified as a decision maker for the contract and had direct influence on the outcome of the underlying event,” the notice read. The company’s enforcement action included a permanent ban for former U.S. Representative George Santos of New York—who was expelled from the House in 2023 after fraud allegations—and a $71,356 fine for that user. The two cases illustrate Kalshi’s tightening compliance as prediction‑market activity grows and regulators grapple with new challenges.

Midgley issued a written statement to the Press Herald on Monday, saying he had not tried to conceal his identity from Kalshi. “I did not attempt to hide my name or identity from Kalshi,” he wrote. He added, “I viewed Kalshi as a novelty and entertainment source. The moment I became aware the site preferred not to have candidates supporting themselves, I suspended any involvement. Obviously, the novelty has worn off. I had no winnings and it is our understanding that the Kalshi fee goes to charity, so happy about that.”

The platform’s rules, which were put in place to prevent market manipulation, prohibit anyone who could influence an event from betting on it. Kalshi’s notice cited the “decision maker” status of candidates, which extends to “any influence, directly or indirectly, no matter the scale and importance of the influence, on the outcome.” By placing bets on the Republican primary in which he was a participant, Midgley breached those provisions.

The disciplinary action comes amid a wave of scrutiny over prediction markets such as Kalshi and Polymarket. Reuters reported on Monday that the platforms have seen increased suspicious trading activity, raising concerns for regulators and law‑enforcement agencies. The case of former congressman George Santos—who was fined and permanently banned after betting on whether he would attend President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address—highlights the potential for political actors to manipulate markets for personal or campaign advantage.

Maine voters may already be familiar with Midgley from his candidacy. He ran a campaign that focused on small‑business growth and fiscal responsibility, leveraging his background in the fitness franchise industry. The primary race was a six‑candidate contest decided through ranked‑choice voting in June, which he ultimately lost to Bobby Charles, who led the race after a runoff.

The Kalshi ban is effective immediately and will last for three years, preventing Midgley from placing any new bets on the platform. The $5,434 penalty is intended to cover administrative costs associated with the investigation and enforcement.

As Maine prepares for the general election, the incident serves as a reminder that political engagement extends beyond the ballot box. Whether it’s campaigning, fundraising, or—even in a digital age—betting on outcomes, the rules of the game are designed to maintain fairness and prevent conflicts of interest. For Midgley, the novelty of a betting platform has faded, and the penalty underscores the importance of understanding the limits that apply to public officials and candidates.