Free groceries, courtesy of your favourite prediction market.
That is the stunt that each Kalshi and Polymarket are trying to tug off in New York Metropolis, in an obvious nod to Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s pledge to open city-run grocery stores.
Kalshi’s providing arrived first, providing customers as much as $50 price of free groceries at Westside Market, a grocery retailer in Manhattan’s East Village on Tuesday.
Enterprise Insider attended the occasion and located an extended line.
Enterprise Insider/Henry Chandonnet
The promotion runs from 12 p.m. to three p.m. ET at Westside Market on 84 third Ave.
However Polymarket says it is going even greater, opening its personal grocery retailer within the metropolis subsequent week — “New York’s first free grocery retailer” — for a restricted time.
“The Polymarket is absolutely stocked. No buy required. We’re open to all New Yorkers,” the corporate mentioned. “Free groceries. Free markets. Constructed for the individuals who energy New York. We’ll see you at The Polymarket’s grand opening subsequent week.”
After months of planning, we’re excited to announce ‘The Polymarket’ is coming to New York Metropolis.
New York’s first free grocery retailer.
We signed the lease. And we donated $1 million to Meals Financial institution For NYC — a corporation that modifications how our metropolis responds to starvation. 🧵 pic.twitter.com/BGMCWUMz8n
— Polymarket (@Polymarket) February 3, 2026
The handle has but to be introduced by the corporate, however Polymarket says the shop shall be open from Thursday, February 12 at midday till Sunday, February 15.
The prediction market additionally says it donated $1 million to Meals Financial institution for New York Metropolis, which is able to function an “working accomplice” for the shop.
“The activation is the results of months of planning — from securing permits and constructing out a devoted retail area to coordinating logistics and nonprofit partnerships — and represents a direct funding within the metropolis the place Polymarket was based and scaled,” reads a launch from the prediction market platform.
Kalshi and Polymarket have exploded in reputation during the last 12 months and a half, and the giveaways are prone to increase the businesses’ profiles and model recognition even additional.
Each prediction markets have moved to accomplice with media organizations. Polymarket partnered with the Golden Globes, whereas Kalshi has struck deals with CNN and CNBC.
Prediction markets have additionally confronted larger scrutiny from lawmakers, particularly after an nameless Polymarket dealer made tons of of hundreds of {dollars} off a well-timed bet on former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s political future, sparking issues about insider buying and selling.
That is led some prediction markets to push back, with Kalshi emphasizing that it has rules against insider trading and helps efforts to manage the apply.
