Overview
At Kalshi, we strive to create a transparent and fair trading environment. To maintain the integrity of our markets, we run the Kalshi Markets Bug Bounty Program. This program encourages users to report any bugs or ambiguities they discover in our markets. By participating, you help us ensure that our markets operate smoothly and fairly, benefiting the entire Kalshi community. All Kalshi members are eligible to participate in this program regardless of account type.
You can submit a Bug Bounty Request through the following form: forms.kalshi.com/market-bug-bounty
How It Works
If you find a bug or ambiguity in any of our pre-listed or live markets, we ask that you report it to us privately through our bug bounty form. In return, you may be eligible for a reward ranging from $25 to $1,000+, depending on the severity and nature of the issue. Bug bounty rewards are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so the earlier an issue is reported, the more likely you are to receive a bounty. In the rare case that an existing market has a bug, we encourage you to report it in the manner defined in the "Reporting Procedure" section of this program.
Definition of a Bug
For purposes of this program, a "bug" is any issue with a market's rules, presentation, or metadata that could mislead traders or affect settlement. Below are the categories we look for, with examples of each:
Rules Contradictions: The summary, title, or additional details conflict with the full rules PDF.
Example: The summary says "Bitcoin outperforms gold" but the full rules say the opposite.Broken Variables: Rulebook variables display incorrectly or produce nonsensical output.
Example: A date placeholder that didn't populate (e.g., "market closes on {{close_date}}").Mutual Exclusivity Errors: Markets are mutually exclusive when they shouldn't be, or vice versa.
Example: A "who wins the most seats" market is mutually exclusive but has no tiebreaker rule.Cosmetic Issues: Typos, misspelled names, or mismatched images.
Example: Market lists "Rick Reider" instead of "Rick Rieder."Broken Rules Link: Clicking "View full rules" returns something empty, incomplete, or nonsensical.
Example: Clicking the URL in the rules summary takes you to a website unrelated to the market.Misleading Additional Details: The additional details section contradicts or adds confusion beyond the contract language.
Example: Additional details say the market uses a time-weighted average of polls, but the full rules say a simple average.Internal Contract Contradictions: Language within a single contract conflicts with itself.
Example: An example in the rules says "nominated," but the payout criterion requires "confirmed by the Senate."Wrong Dates: Expiration or close dates are materially incorrect.
Example: Rules say "before Jan 1, 2026" but the market closes Dec 1, 2025.
Reporting Procedure
Identify the Bug: Carefully document the bug, including relevant contract details and screenshots if applicable. Do not wait to report. The earlier you report it, the more likely we'll be able to fix the issue and the more likely you are to be eligible for a reward.
Report Privately: Submit your report through our bug bounty form at forms.kalshi.com/market-bug-bounty. Include all necessary details and your Kalshi account email. Reports submitted through any other channel (including email or support chat) will not be accepted for this program.
Review Process: Our team will review your report and determine the severity and impact of the bug. We aim to respond as soon as possible.
Reward: Kalshi retains sole discretion to determine whether a reported bug will receive a payout and what the payout amount will be. If your report is valid and the bug is confirmed by Kalshi, you will receive a reward based on the severity and nature of the bug.
Reward Tiers
Minor Bugs: $25 - $100
Minor discrepancies or non-critical ambiguities that do not significantly impact market fairness. This will apply to most bugs.
Moderate Bugs: $100 - $250
Moderate issues that may impact trading decisions but are not easily exploitable. This will only apply to a limited number of bugs.
Severe Bugs: $250 - $1,000+
Critical issues that could lead to significant exploitation or unfair market conditions. This will be a rare occurrence.
Program Guidelines
In order to qualify for a bug bounty reward, users must follow the following guidelines:
Confidentiality: Do not discuss the bug publicly or with other users until it has been resolved.
Good Faith: Reports must be made in good faith. Attempting to exploit bugs before reporting them will disqualify you from receiving a reward. This only works if we all work together!
Eligibility: Only the first person to report a specific bug will be eligible for a reward. Ensure your report is detailed and complete. The longer you wait to report, the more likely it is that you will be ineligible.
Changes: Kalshi reserves the right to modify the Bug Bounty Program terms and conditions at any time. Payouts are subject to internal approval and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Conclusion
By participating in the Kalshi Market Bug Bounty Program, you help us maintain a fair and transparent trading environment. We appreciate your support and cooperation in making our markets better for everyone.