UNITE HERE president Mills urges Congress to block prediction markets over job threats
UNITE HERE President Gwen Mills urged Congress on June 4 to block prediction markets, arguing they constitute illegal sports betting that threatens union gaming jobs and violates Tribal sovereignty and state laws. The 300,000-member hospitality workers union endorsed Senate legislation that would classify prediction markets as gambling and ban sports event contracts, according to reports. Members rallied in Virginia, including at a site in Fairfax County. The lobbying push comes as platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket expand their footprint in event-contract trading. The union did not name specific platforms in its original statement.
UNITE HERE's endorsement gives the Senate bill an organized-labor constituency that casino and sportsbook operators can mobilize alongside Tribal coalitions, raising the floor for any lawmaker counting union support in gaming-heavy states. The 300,000-member backing turns a niche regulatory fight into a jobs issue vulnerable to floor amendments during must-pass legislation.