Kalshi Prediction Market Sees Delays During Super Bowl Rush

Crypto-based prediction platform Kalshi faced high traffic and deposit delays as users flocked to place bets on the big game.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Kalshi, a prediction market platform, experienced delays in processing user deposits and transfers during the high-traffic period leading up to the Super Bowl. The company saw over $325 million in volume less than an hour before the championship game started, leading to slowdowns in its systems as users rushed to place bets on the outcome of the game, commercials, and other Super Bowl-related events.

Why it matters

Kalshi's issues highlight the challenges that crypto-based prediction markets can face during major events with high user demand. As these platforms grow in popularity, they will need to ensure their infrastructure can handle spikes in traffic to provide a reliable service to bettors.

The details

Kalshi cofounder Luana Lopes Lara acknowledged the delays in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, stating that "Some deposits are delayed because of the amount of traffic and deposits we're getting. Your money is safe and on the way, it will just take longer to land." Some users expressed frustration at the delays, saying there was no point in placing bets if the money didn't arrive until halftime. Kalshi, founded in 2018, allows users to bet on the outcomes of events like elections, sports matches, and economic indicators.

  • Kalshi saw over $325 million in volume less than an hour before the Super Bowl championship game started.

The players

Kalshi

A crypto-based prediction market platform founded in 2018 that allows users to bet on the outcomes of events such as elections, sports matches, and economic indicators.

Luana Lopes Lara

The cofounder of Kalshi who acknowledged the deposit and transfer delays on the platform during the Super Bowl.

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What they’re saying

“Some deposits are delayed because of the amount of traffic and deposits we're getting. Your money is safe and on the way, it will just take longer to land.”

— Luana Lopes Lara, Kalshi Cofounder (X)

The takeaway

Kalshi's experience during the Super Bowl highlights the need for crypto-based prediction market platforms to ensure their infrastructure can handle spikes in user demand during major events. As these platforms grow in popularity, they will need to invest in scalable systems to provide a reliable service to bettors.