# Section 1256

Type: tax_regulation

Source: GetYourBrief — https://getyourbrief.com/entity/section-1256
Canonical HTML page: https://getyourbrief.com/entity/section-1256

## Recent coverage (3 stories, network-wide)

### IRS Silence Creates 20% Tax Rate Gap for World Cup Prediction Market Bets
2026-07-13 16:32:34 · Sector: legal · Sentiment: Positive · Impact: 6/10 · Sources: 2

The IRS has not clarified whether prediction market contracts are gambling or investments, leaving bettors on platforms like Kalshi facing potential capital gains rates instead of up to 37% ordinary income tax. Legal experts warn that aggressive positions risk IRS challenge under substance-over-form doctrine.
Full story: https://getlegalbrief.com/story/irs-silence-tax-gap-prediction-markets-legal

### World Cup Bettors Could Save Up to 17% in Taxes via Prediction Markets
2026-07-13 16:32:26 · Sector: finance · Sentiment: Positive · Impact: 6/10 · Sources: 2

During the 2026 World Cup, bettors using prediction markets structured as investments could see effective tax rates as low as 0-20%, compared to up to 37% for sportsbook wagers. This tax arbitrage could drive capital flows to platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket.
Full story: https://getfinancebrief.com/story/17pct-tax-edge-world-cup-prediction-markets-finance

### Crypto Prediction Markets Offer 60/40 Tax Break for World Cup Bets—IRS Silent
2026-07-13 16:32:17 · Sector: crypto · Sentiment: Positive · Impact: 6/10 · Sources: 2

Decentralized prediction markets like Polymarket, powered by smart contracts, may give World Cup bettors access to Section 1256 tax treatment, slashing rates to 60/40 long-term/short-term capital gains. This untested tax strategy emerges as the crypto industry remains under regulatory scanner.
Full story: https://getcryptobrief.com/story/crypto-prediction-markets-tax-advantage-world-cup

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