Reps. Whitesides, Gallagher, Salinas, Fong Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Ban Betting on Wildfires on Prediction Markets

WASHINGTON D.C. - Today, Reps. George Whitesides (D-CA), James Gallagher (R-CA) Andrea Salinas (D-OR), and Vince Fong (R-CA) introduced the No Bets on Wildfires Act, a bill making it illegal to place bets related to wildfires on prediction markets.

Over $1 million fire-related bets were wagered on Polymarket during the devastating wildfires that swept through Los Angeles in early 2025. Users on the platform bet on specific questions, such as how many acres the fires would burn, what cities would be hit, and when firefighters would be able to contain the blaze. Not only did these fires lead to the loss of lives and livelihoods, but there is real concern that by allowing prediction market users to bet on wildfires, there will be a monetary incentive to start or influence wildfires in the future.

"It is abhorrent that anyone would attempt to profit off of the damage caused by wildfires, particularly after the devastation and suffering that Los Angeles County experienced last year," said Rep. Whitesides. "My bill is simple - no one, on any prediction market or betting platform, should be allowed to gamble on any issue relating to wildfires. This commonsense bill will stop anyone who would try to enrich themselves off people losing their lives, families seeing their homes burned to the ground, and firefighters putting themselves in harm's way."

"In Northern California, we know all too well the devastation wildfires can bring. Families have lost their homes, entire communities have been destroyed, and lives have been turned upside down," said Rep. Gallagher. "The idea that someone could turn around and profit by betting on the next wildfire is absolutely outrageous. These disasters are not a game, and nobody should be gambling on the suffering of our communities. I'm proud to join Congressman Whitesides in this bipartisan effort to put a stop to it."

"Oregon just experienced the worst wildfire season on record. No one should have a financial incentive to cause or cash in on that devastation," said Rep. Salinas. "Oregonians know how devastating wildfires can be. They destroy homes, threaten lives, and leave entire communities picking up the pieces. Allowing people to cash in on that devastation is outrageous. I'm proud to join Congressman Whitesides in introducing this commonsense legislation to put a stop to wildfire betting and protect our communities."

"Our communities are all too familiar with the devastation wildfires can cause," said Rep. Fong. "The last thing we should be doing is allowing people to profit from that destruction. This bipartisan legislation closes a clear gap in federal law and ensures that the suffering of wildfire victims is never a betting opportunity."

The No Bets on Wildfires Act bans all registered entities from listing for trade or accepting for clearing any contract, agreement, swap or transaction that involves a wildfire caused by any means.

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