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AP PHOTOS: The stars are out at the Paris Olympics. Here's a look at Day 2

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AP PHOTOS: The stars are out at the Paris Olympics. Here's a look at Day 2
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AP PHOTOS: The stars are out at the Paris Olympics. Here's a look at Day 2

2024-07-29 10:03 Last Updated At:10:10

PARIS (AP) — It was another action-packed day at the Paris Olympics.

LeBron James and Kevin Durant led the U.S. men's basketball team to an opening victory against Nikola Jokic and Serbia. Simone Biles dominated gymnastics qualifying, and Rafael Nadal set up a second-round tennis match against Novak Djokovic.

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Simone Biles, of United States, competes on the uneven bars during a women's artistic gymnastics qualification round at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

PARIS (AP) — It was another action-packed day at the Paris Olympics.

Athletes warm up amid morning fog ahead of the day's rowing competitions at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Vaires-sur-Marne, France. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)

Athletes warm up amid morning fog ahead of the day's rowing competitions at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Vaires-sur-Marne, France. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)

Malaysia's Nurul Azreena Mohamad Fazil fires in the women's team archery elimination round match between Indonesia and Malaysia at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Malaysia's Nurul Azreena Mohamad Fazil fires in the women's team archery elimination round match between Indonesia and Malaysia at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Spectators watch from a fan zone set up at the Hotel de Ville, the city hall, as Simone Biles, of the United States, performs on the vault during a women's artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

Spectators watch from a fan zone set up at the Hotel de Ville, the city hall, as Simone Biles, of the United States, performs on the vault during a women's artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

Yolanda Hopkins, of Portugal, falls during the first round of the 2024 Summer Olympics surfing competition Saturday, July 27, 2024, in Teahupo'o, Tahiti. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

Yolanda Hopkins, of Portugal, falls during the first round of the 2024 Summer Olympics surfing competition Saturday, July 27, 2024, in Teahupo'o, Tahiti. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

Kazakhstan's Aibek Oralbay is sprayed by water between rounds against Nigeria's Olaitan Olaore during men's 92kg preliminary at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Kazakhstan's Aibek Oralbay is sprayed by water between rounds against Nigeria's Olaitan Olaore during men's 92kg preliminary at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Supporters for France wave flags during the women's pool C beach volleyball match between Germany and France at Eiffel Tower Stadium, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Louise Delmotte)

Supporters for France wave flags during the women's pool C beach volleyball match between Germany and France at Eiffel Tower Stadium, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Louise Delmotte)

Australia's Sarah Maki is tackled by South Africa's Liske Lategan, left, during the women's Pool B Rugby Sevens match between Australia and South Africa at the 2024 Summer Olympics, in the Stade de France, in Saint-Denis, France, Sunday, July 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)

Australia's Sarah Maki is tackled by South Africa's Liske Lategan, left, during the women's Pool B Rugby Sevens match between Australia and South Africa at the 2024 Summer Olympics, in the Stade de France, in Saint-Denis, France, Sunday, July 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)

Venezuela's Grabiel Lugo, left, and Canada's Nicholas Zhang compete in the men's individual Epee round of 64 competition during the 2024 Summer Olympics at the Grand Palais, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Venezuela's Grabiel Lugo, left, and Canada's Nicholas Zhang compete in the men's individual Epee round of 64 competition during the 2024 Summer Olympics at the Grand Palais, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Spain's Blanca Perez, left, and Britain's Fiona Crackles vie for the ball during the women's Group B field hockey match between Britain and Spain at the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Colombes, France. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)

Spain's Blanca Perez, left, and Britain's Fiona Crackles vie for the ball during the women's Group B field hockey match between Britain and Spain at the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Colombes, France. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)

Khaman Maluach, of South Sudan, reaches for a rebound in a men's basketball game against Puerto Rico at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, Pool)

Khaman Maluach, of South Sudan, reaches for a rebound in a men's basketball game against Puerto Rico at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, Pool)

Britain's Laura Collett, riding London 52, during the Equestrian Cross Country competition at Chateau de Versailles for the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Versailles, France. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)

Britain's Laura Collett, riding London 52, during the Equestrian Cross Country competition at Chateau de Versailles for the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Versailles, France. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)

Loana Lecomte, of France, competes in the women's mountain bike cycling event, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Elancourt, France. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Loana Lecomte, of France, competes in the women's mountain bike cycling event, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Elancourt, France. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Slovenia's Darko Jorgic plays against Singapore's Izaac Quek during a men's singles round of 64 table tennis game at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)

Slovenia's Darko Jorgic plays against Singapore's Izaac Quek during a men's singles round of 64 table tennis game at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)

Rayssa Leal, of Brazil, right, gestures during the women's skateboard street final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. At left is Liz Akama, of Japan, and center Coco Yoshizawa, also of Japan.(AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

Rayssa Leal, of Brazil, right, gestures during the women's skateboard street final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. At left is Liz Akama, of Japan, and center Coco Yoshizawa, also of Japan.(AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

United States' Lee Kiefer, top, competes with Huang Qianqian of China in the women's individual foil round of 16 match at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

United States' Lee Kiefer, top, competes with Huang Qianqian of China in the women's individual foil round of 16 match at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

An Olympic official holds the Chinese flag as it is being raised during the medal ceremony of the 10m air pistol men's final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Chateauroux, France. China's Xie Yu won the gold medal in the competition. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

An Olympic official holds the Chinese flag as it is being raised during the medal ceremony of the 10m air pistol men's final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Chateauroux, France. China's Xie Yu won the gold medal in the competition. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

Ecuador's Ronald Zabala G., riding, Forever Young Wundermaske, fall off their horse during the Equestrian Cross Country competition at Chateau de Versailles for the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Versailles, France. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)

Ecuador's Ronald Zabala G., riding, Forever Young Wundermaske, fall off their horse during the Equestrian Cross Country competition at Chateau de Versailles for the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Versailles, France. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)

Lilia Cosman, of Romania, competes on the balance beam during a women's artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Lilia Cosman, of Romania, competes on the balance beam during a women's artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Pauline Ferrand Prevot, of France, celebrates winning the women's mountain bike cycling event, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Elancourt, France. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Pauline Ferrand Prevot, of France, celebrates winning the women's mountain bike cycling event, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Elancourt, France. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Luisa Blanco, of Colombia, competes on the balance beam during a women's artistic gymnastics qualification round at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Luisa Blanco, of Colombia, competes on the balance beam during a women's artistic gymnastics qualification round at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Ryan Murphy, of the United States, competes during a heat in the men's 100-meter backstroke at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Nanterre, France. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

Ryan Murphy, of the United States, competes during a heat in the men's 100-meter backstroke at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Nanterre, France. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

Italy's Martina Favaretto celebrates after winning the women's individual foil round of 16 match against France's Pauline Ranvier during the 2024 Summer Olympics at the Grand Palais, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Italy's Martina Favaretto celebrates after winning the women's individual foil round of 16 match against France's Pauline Ranvier during the 2024 Summer Olympics at the Grand Palais, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Sweden's Nebil Ibrahim kisses the mat after defeating Palestinian boxer Wasim Abusal in their men's 57 kg preliminary boxing match at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Sweden's Nebil Ibrahim kisses the mat after defeating Palestinian boxer Wasim Abusal in their men's 57 kg preliminary boxing match at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/John Locher)

The competition continues on Monday and runs all the way to Aug. 11.

AP Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games

Simone Biles, of United States, competes on the uneven bars during a women's artistic gymnastics qualification round at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Simone Biles, of United States, competes on the uneven bars during a women's artistic gymnastics qualification round at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Athletes warm up amid morning fog ahead of the day's rowing competitions at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Vaires-sur-Marne, France. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)

Athletes warm up amid morning fog ahead of the day's rowing competitions at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Vaires-sur-Marne, France. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)

Malaysia's Nurul Azreena Mohamad Fazil fires in the women's team archery elimination round match between Indonesia and Malaysia at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Malaysia's Nurul Azreena Mohamad Fazil fires in the women's team archery elimination round match between Indonesia and Malaysia at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Spectators watch from a fan zone set up at the Hotel de Ville, the city hall, as Simone Biles, of the United States, performs on the vault during a women's artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

Spectators watch from a fan zone set up at the Hotel de Ville, the city hall, as Simone Biles, of the United States, performs on the vault during a women's artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

Yolanda Hopkins, of Portugal, falls during the first round of the 2024 Summer Olympics surfing competition Saturday, July 27, 2024, in Teahupo'o, Tahiti. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

Yolanda Hopkins, of Portugal, falls during the first round of the 2024 Summer Olympics surfing competition Saturday, July 27, 2024, in Teahupo'o, Tahiti. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

Kazakhstan's Aibek Oralbay is sprayed by water between rounds against Nigeria's Olaitan Olaore during men's 92kg preliminary at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Kazakhstan's Aibek Oralbay is sprayed by water between rounds against Nigeria's Olaitan Olaore during men's 92kg preliminary at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Supporters for France wave flags during the women's pool C beach volleyball match between Germany and France at Eiffel Tower Stadium, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Louise Delmotte)

Supporters for France wave flags during the women's pool C beach volleyball match between Germany and France at Eiffel Tower Stadium, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Louise Delmotte)

Australia's Sarah Maki is tackled by South Africa's Liske Lategan, left, during the women's Pool B Rugby Sevens match between Australia and South Africa at the 2024 Summer Olympics, in the Stade de France, in Saint-Denis, France, Sunday, July 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)

Australia's Sarah Maki is tackled by South Africa's Liske Lategan, left, during the women's Pool B Rugby Sevens match between Australia and South Africa at the 2024 Summer Olympics, in the Stade de France, in Saint-Denis, France, Sunday, July 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)

Venezuela's Grabiel Lugo, left, and Canada's Nicholas Zhang compete in the men's individual Epee round of 64 competition during the 2024 Summer Olympics at the Grand Palais, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Venezuela's Grabiel Lugo, left, and Canada's Nicholas Zhang compete in the men's individual Epee round of 64 competition during the 2024 Summer Olympics at the Grand Palais, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Spain's Blanca Perez, left, and Britain's Fiona Crackles vie for the ball during the women's Group B field hockey match between Britain and Spain at the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Colombes, France. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)

Spain's Blanca Perez, left, and Britain's Fiona Crackles vie for the ball during the women's Group B field hockey match between Britain and Spain at the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Colombes, France. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)

Khaman Maluach, of South Sudan, reaches for a rebound in a men's basketball game against Puerto Rico at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, Pool)

Khaman Maluach, of South Sudan, reaches for a rebound in a men's basketball game against Puerto Rico at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, Pool)

Britain's Laura Collett, riding London 52, during the Equestrian Cross Country competition at Chateau de Versailles for the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Versailles, France. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)

Britain's Laura Collett, riding London 52, during the Equestrian Cross Country competition at Chateau de Versailles for the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Versailles, France. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)

Loana Lecomte, of France, competes in the women's mountain bike cycling event, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Elancourt, France. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Loana Lecomte, of France, competes in the women's mountain bike cycling event, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Elancourt, France. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Slovenia's Darko Jorgic plays against Singapore's Izaac Quek during a men's singles round of 64 table tennis game at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)

Slovenia's Darko Jorgic plays against Singapore's Izaac Quek during a men's singles round of 64 table tennis game at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)

Rayssa Leal, of Brazil, right, gestures during the women's skateboard street final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. At left is Liz Akama, of Japan, and center Coco Yoshizawa, also of Japan.(AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

Rayssa Leal, of Brazil, right, gestures during the women's skateboard street final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. At left is Liz Akama, of Japan, and center Coco Yoshizawa, also of Japan.(AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

United States' Lee Kiefer, top, competes with Huang Qianqian of China in the women's individual foil round of 16 match at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

United States' Lee Kiefer, top, competes with Huang Qianqian of China in the women's individual foil round of 16 match at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

An Olympic official holds the Chinese flag as it is being raised during the medal ceremony of the 10m air pistol men's final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Chateauroux, France. China's Xie Yu won the gold medal in the competition. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

An Olympic official holds the Chinese flag as it is being raised during the medal ceremony of the 10m air pistol men's final at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Chateauroux, France. China's Xie Yu won the gold medal in the competition. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

Ecuador's Ronald Zabala G., riding, Forever Young Wundermaske, fall off their horse during the Equestrian Cross Country competition at Chateau de Versailles for the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Versailles, France. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)

Ecuador's Ronald Zabala G., riding, Forever Young Wundermaske, fall off their horse during the Equestrian Cross Country competition at Chateau de Versailles for the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Versailles, France. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)

Lilia Cosman, of Romania, competes on the balance beam during a women's artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Lilia Cosman, of Romania, competes on the balance beam during a women's artistic gymnastics qualification round at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Pauline Ferrand Prevot, of France, celebrates winning the women's mountain bike cycling event, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Elancourt, France. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Pauline Ferrand Prevot, of France, celebrates winning the women's mountain bike cycling event, at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Elancourt, France. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Luisa Blanco, of Colombia, competes on the balance beam during a women's artistic gymnastics qualification round at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Luisa Blanco, of Colombia, competes on the balance beam during a women's artistic gymnastics qualification round at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Ryan Murphy, of the United States, competes during a heat in the men's 100-meter backstroke at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Nanterre, France. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

Ryan Murphy, of the United States, competes during a heat in the men's 100-meter backstroke at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Nanterre, France. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

Italy's Martina Favaretto celebrates after winning the women's individual foil round of 16 match against France's Pauline Ranvier during the 2024 Summer Olympics at the Grand Palais, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Italy's Martina Favaretto celebrates after winning the women's individual foil round of 16 match against France's Pauline Ranvier during the 2024 Summer Olympics at the Grand Palais, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Sweden's Nebil Ibrahim kisses the mat after defeating Palestinian boxer Wasim Abusal in their men's 57 kg preliminary boxing match at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Sweden's Nebil Ibrahim kisses the mat after defeating Palestinian boxer Wasim Abusal in their men's 57 kg preliminary boxing match at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 28, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Next Article

Money rolls in on US election bets after judge clears way, but appeal looms

2024-09-13 04:28 Last Updated At:04:30

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — People began betting Thursday on which political party would win control of Congress in the November elections after a judge's ruling allowing the wagers — the only ones to be legally approved by a U.S. jurisdiction.

New York startup company Kalshi began taking what amounts to bets on the outcome of the November congressional elections after a judge refused to block them from doing so.

The ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Jia Cobb in Washington enabled the company, at least temporarily, to offer prediction contracts across the country— essentially yes-or-no bets — on which party will win control of the Senate and the House in November.

“The Kalshi community just made history, and I know we are only getting started,” said Tarek Mansour, a co-founder of the company. “Now is finally the time to allow these markets to show the world just how powerful they are at providing signal amidst the noise, and giving us more truth about what the future holds.”

But the activity could prove short-lived. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission, an independent federal body which last year prohibited the company from offering such bets, said it would appeal the ruling as quickly as possible, citing the possibility of people trying to manipulate the election for financial purposes.

Kalshi did not say whether it intends to offer bets beyond the ones posted Thursday for congressional races, including potentially taking bets on the presidential race.

It also was not immediately clear whether sports books or online casinos would seek to offer similar political bets in light of the ruling.

Prices on Kalshi's so-called predictive contracts varied throughout the early afternoon. As of mid-afternoon, a bet on the Republicans to win control of the Senate was priced at 76 cents; a $100 bet would pay $129. A bet on the Democrats to win control of the House was priced at 63 cents, with a $100 bet paying out $154.

It was not clear how long such betting might last; the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, which last year prohibited the company from offering them, said it would appeal the ruling as quickly as possible.

Better Markets, a nonprofit organization that says it advocates for the public interest in financial markets, called the development “a dangerous move that opens the floodgates to unprecedented gambling on U.S. elections, eroding public trust in both markets and democracy.”

Contrasting his client with foreign companies who take bets from American customers on U.S. elections without U.S. government approval, Roth said Kalshi is trying to do things the right way, under government regulation.

“It invested significantly in these markets,” he said during Thursday's hearing. “They spent millions of dollars. It would be perverse if all that investment went up in smoke.”

But Raagnee Beri, an attorney for the commission, said allowing such bets could invite malicious activities designed to influence the outcome of elections and undermine already fragile public confidence in the voting process.

“These contracts would give market participants a $100 million incentive to influence the market on the election,” she said. “There is a very severe public interest threat.”

She used the analogy of someone who has taken an investment position in corn commodities.

“Somebody puts out misinformation about a drought, that a drought is coming,” she said. “That could move the market on the price of corn. The same thing could happen here. The commission is not required to suffer the flood before building a dam."

Thursday's ruling will not be the last word on the case. The commission said it will appeal on an emergency basis to a Washington D.C. circuit court, and asked the judge to stay her ruling for 24 hours. But the judge declined, leaving no prohibition in place on the company offering election bets, at least in the very near term.

The company already offers yes-no positions on political topics including whether a government shutdown will happen this year, whether a new Supreme Court justice will be confirmed this year, and whether President Joe Biden's approval rating will be above or below a certain level by the end of the year.

The Kalshi bets are technically not the first to be offered legally on U.S. elections. West Virginia permitted such bets for one hour in April 2020 before reversing itself and canceling those betting markets, deciding it had not done the proper research beforehand.

Follow Wayne Parry on X at www.twitter.com/WayneParryAC

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris participate during an ABC News presidential debate at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris participate during an ABC News presidential debate at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

People watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, at the Gipsy Las Vegas in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

People watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, at the Gipsy Las Vegas in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Viewers gather to watch a debate between Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at the Angry Elephant Bar and Grill, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Viewers gather to watch a debate between Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at the Angry Elephant Bar and Grill, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

This combination of photos shows Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, left, and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris during an ABC News presidential debate at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

This combination of photos shows Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, left, and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris during an ABC News presidential debate at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

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