Prediction Markets Hit Local Politics, Axon Replaces Flock, and a Great Local Pet Store

Harbingers of dystopia or the hottest trend in tech — Kalshi, Polymarket, and other prediction market platforms have come for local politics. You can right now bet on buzzy issues like the hotly contested race to represent Colorado’s 8th Congressional District, but also on the utterly banal, like the temperature in Denver today. City Cast Denver contributor and founder of investigative journalism site The Lever David Sirota joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to dissect the local prediction markets. Plus, City Council approves Mayor Mike Johnston’s new contract for Axon license plate readers, and Sirota’s got a rec for the best pet supply store in town. Subscribe to “Keep It Local,” our new Thursday afternoon shopping guide for curated recommendations of local small businesses. Paul also mentioned the podcast Election Profit Makers and our recent episode with Dr. Paul Teske of CU Denver’s School of Public Affairs. Do you have a gambling problem? In Colorado, you call the 24/7 confidential hotline or text 1-800-GAMBLER For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think about the prediction markets for local issues? We want to hear your take on Kalshi and Polymarket! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 Learn more about the sponsors of this April 2nd episode: Multipass Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise