When asked about the rationale in this partnership, the USTA echoed its CEO’s statement on the matter: “Partnering with Kalshi gives us an opportunity to pioneer that next generation of fan engagement while ensuring the integrity of our sport.” A crucial part of the Kalshi deal, the USTA said, was being able to set limits on the types of predictions on offer: only bets on match results, as opposed to bets around umpire decisions, code violations, and player injuries.

This feels vaguely like blackmail on the part of Kalshi: “Partner with us or we’ll open up betting on all the worst things you could imagine.”