Prediction markets site Polymarket revealed on Tuesday that it’s getting ready to open New York’s first free grocery store. It stated that it has already signed the lease for the property and made a $1m donation to the Food Bank for NYC:
The social media post also emphasized that the store has been in the planning for months. It’s set to open on February 12 and will offer completely free groceries with no sign-up or purchase necessary. Polymarket hasn’t yet revealed the exact location.
announcement came on the same day that Kalshi offered free groceries to people
The announcement came on the same day that Kalshi confirmed it planned to offer free groceries to people in an East Village supermarket for three hours. The prediction market competitor covered up to $50 worth of groceries for participants.
Some industry experts, like Dustin Gouker, questioned whether Kalshi’s sudden pop-up was more than a coincidence:
Kalshi’s marketing stunt took place on the same day as New York Attorney General Letitia James warned New Yorkers about the dangers of prediction sites. She said that they often lack the same consumer protections as state-licensed sportsbooks.
The New York State Gaming Commission is currently embroiled in a legal case with Kalshi. The regulator’s cease and desist in October was met by a countersuit.
The Empire State is a key battleground, as it’s currently the country’s most lucrative legal sports betting market. Total sportsbook handle in the most recently reported month of November 2025 was $2.6bn.
