Kalshi is legally available to Texas residents 21+. It is a CFTC-regulated US exchange — not a sportsbook — so you sign up like a brokerage, not a casino. Here is the exact path from new email to first contract.
The 7 steps
- Create your account. Go to kalshi.com, click Sign Up, enter email and password. Confirm via email link.
- Complete KYC. Upload a US driver's license or passport. Kalshi verifies in 1–5 minutes for most users.
- Link a US bank. Connect your bank with Plaid or enter routing/account manually. ACH is free both ways.
- Deposit funds. Start with as little as $1. ACH posts within minutes; debit-card deposits are instant.
- Pick a market. Browse Sports, Politics, Weather, or Economics. Each market shows current YES/NO prices in cents.
- Buy YES or NO. Enter quantity and price. Kalshi shows total cost plus fees before you confirm. Each contract pays $1 if your side wins.
- Withdraw winnings. Hit Withdraw, choose ACH, enter amount. Funds settle in 1–3 business days, free.
Texas-specific notes
- ✅ Legal: Kalshi operates under CFTC rules nationwide. See is Kalshi legal in Texas?
- 🏛️ Taxes: No Texas state income tax — federal only. Kalshi taxes for Texans →
- 💸 Fees: Per-trade scaled fee, free ACH. Kalshi fees explained →
Your first trade — example
Say it's August in Austin and Kalshi has a market: "Will Austin highs exceed 100°F tomorrow?" at 70¢ YES. You think it will. Buy 10 YES contracts at 70¢ = $7.00 + a few cents fee. If Austin hits 101°F, each contract pays $1 — you collect $10.00. Net profit: roughly $2.90 after fees. Same model works for NFL games, elections, the Oscars, and Texas weather.
Ready to start
Sources & references
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