Solana, one of the largest cryptocurrencies, has now been added to Kalshi’s platform, Kalshi announced. According to Kalshi, Solana can now be used for funding Kalshi accounts as an extension of its collaboration with Zero Hash.

Kalshi, a prominent operator in the regulated prediction markets space, announced on Friday that it has added Solana (SOL) as a new option for clients to fund their accounts. This development brings the total number of cryptocurrencies accepted on the platform to six. The update was shared via Kalshi’s official account on X, where the company framed the move as a continuation of its partnership with crypto infrastructure firm Zero Hash.

Solana joins a growing list of digital currencies supported by Kalshi, including Bitcoin, XRP, Worldcoin, Ripple USD, and USDC. The addition enhances Kalshi's appeal to users who prefer the speed and flexibility of cryptocurrency over traditional funding methods.

Crypto deposits offer speed and flexibility

Kalshi emphasizes the advantages that come with using cryptocurrency for deposits. In a post on its Help Center, the company explained that crypto-funded accounts gain near-instant access to funds, enabling users to participate in trades without delays typical of conventional bank transfers.

“Depositing with crypto on Kalshi allows for immediate access to your funds, enabling you to participate in trades without any delay that usually occurs with traditional banking methods,” the platform noted. “All successful deposits will be able to be traded in just minutes!”

Additionally, Kalshi revealed that users can deposit as much as $500,000 in a single cryptocurrency transaction - a significantly higher threshold than what is generally permitted through traditional banking options. This capability is likely to appeal to high-volume traders and institutional clients seeking to move capital quickly.

Why the Kalshi–Solana development is significant

Kalshi’s decision to expand its cryptocurrency roster demonstrates a trend of prediction market platforms deepening their integration with digital assets. Unlike traditional online sportsbooks and iGaming platforms, which face regulatory restrictions around cryptocurrency transactions, Kalshi and its peers - such as PredictIt and Polymarket - operate with fewer barriers when it comes to accepting crypto deposits.

Currently, Kalshi can operate in all 50 states, and there are no explicit regulations preventing it from allowing clients to deposit with cryptocurrencies. That stands in contrast to traditional gambling operators, many of whom have voiced interest in accepting crypto but are constrained by state-level regulatory hurdles.

“Some gaming companies have signaled they’d be willing to accept crypto deposits from bettors, but it’s not an option they pursue with much vigor because they know that state regulators are likely to oppose it,” industry analysts note. This regulatory flexibility gives platforms like Kalshi a unique edge as digital currencies gain mainstream traction.

Solana's growing role in sports betting and memecoins

Solana is currently the sixth-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, narrowly behind BNB (Binance Coin) and well in advance of USDC. It’s not just a popular blockchain for serious DeFi projects - it also enjoys a strong presence in the memecoin space, where users often trade tokens based on internet culture and celebrity personalities as well as viral moments.

This popularity extends into the sports betting world. Figures such as Barstool Sports founder David Portnoy and viral sensation Hailey Welch (also known as Hawk Tuah Girl) have launched their own memecoins using the Solana blockchain. This connection means many users who are active in sports betting or crypto speculation already maintain Solana wallets, making it a natural fit for Kalshi's platform.

As crypto adoption accelerates across industries, Kalshi’s inclusion of Solana marks a timely and strategic move. With corporate treasuries increasing their Bitcoin holdings - now totaling over $349 billion, or about 15% of all Bitcoin in circulation, according to deVere Group Chief Executive Officer Nigel Green - digital assets are increasingly seen as viable alternatives to cash.