Sara Slane joins Kalshi to steer sports prediction market push

In a move to further Kalshi’s efforts in carving out a space in the regulated sports prediction markets, the New York-based exchange has named Sara Slane as its new Head of Corporate Development.

Slane’s arrival adds a seasoned voice to a company currently facing plenty of scrutiny from state regulators for its innovative but controversial approach to event-based trading.

Slane is no stranger to navigating uncharted territory in the gaming industry.

Widely credited for her role in helping dismantle the federal ban on sports betting during her tenure as SVP of Public Affairs at the American Gaming Association (AGA), Slane has since established herself as a trusted strategist and consultant, brokering early deals between sports teams and betting operators after PASPA’s repeal in 2018.

Kalshi, which operates as a federally regulated exchange under the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), allows users to trade contracts on real-world outcomes — including sports results — in a way that mirrors financial derivatives more than traditional sports wagering.

This has angered gambling regulators in states like Nevada, Illinois, Ohio, and New Jersey, who argue that Kalshi’s product skirts local gaming laws.

Despite the pushback, Slane sees enormous potential in Kalshi’s model.

“Kalshi has: bold vision, outlier founders, deep commitment to regulatory compliance, and astronomical growth.” She said in a statement. “They have already managed to build a frontier product experience, with better pricing, robust risk management, and captivating live charts.”

Slane isn’t just there to open doors as she’ll also be overseeing corporate partnerships, working with government stakeholders, as well as educating both the public and policymakers about the distinction between Kalshi’s offering and traditional sports betting.

She’ll also help guide Kalshi’s ongoing dialogue with the CFTC, which is expected to weigh in on the legality of sports-based contracts by the end of May.

Kalshi’s reportedly handled more than $400 million in trades during this year’s NCAA men’s basketball tournament, a number that rivals sportsbook handle when adjusted for the nature of two-sided contracts.

Its partnerships with platforms like Robinhood have amplified its reach, even as regulators push back.

Kalshi’s choice to bring in Slane positions the company nicely as a long-term player in a space that continues to evolve, while also pushing back regulators.

Slane’s extensive background, including advisory roles with Delaware North, Playmaker Capital, and GeoComply, gives her a unique vantage point at the intersection of gaming, tech, and public policy.

“There’s a real opportunity to create a legal, regulated space for prediction markets in sports and beyond,” Slane said. “The industry’s waking up to what this could mean not just for betting, but for market intelligence and user engagement as a whole.”

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