User-df49712

#PredictionMarketsCFTCBacking As of February 2026, the regulatory landscape for prediction markets has undergone a drastic shift.

Under the new chairmanship of Michael Selig, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has effectively pivoted from trying to ban prediction markets to **backing them against state-level bans.**

The CFTC is now asserting "exclusive federal jurisdiction" over these markets, arguing that they are federally regulated financial derivatives, not "gambling" subject to state laws.

### **The Core Shift: From Ban to Backing**

Previously (2023–2024), the CFTC attempted to block election betting, arguing it was contrary to the public interest. However, following key court losses and a change in leadership, the agency has reversed course.

* **Federal Preemption:** The CFTC is now intervening in court cases (filing "amicus briefs") to support platforms like **Kalshi** and **Crypto.com**. They are arguing that individual states (like Nevada or New Jersey) cannot ban these platforms because federal law (the Commodity Exchange Act) preempts state gambling laws.
* **Rule Withdrawal:** In early February 2026, the CFTC formally withdrew a 2024 proposed rule that would have explicitly banned political and sports-related event contracts.

### **Status of Key Platforms**

| Platform | Current Status (Feb 2026) |
| --- | --- |
| **Kalshi** | **Fully Operational & CFTC-Regulated.**

After winning its landmark court case *KalshiEX LLC v. CFTC* (which legalized election betting), Kalshi is now the primary beneficiary of the CFTC's new "federal preemption" defense against state regulators. |
| **Polymarket** | **Regulated US Return.**

Previously banned in the US, Polymarket received an "Amended Order of Designation" from the CFTC in late 2025. This allows it to operate as a fully regulated, intermediated exchange in the US, ending its "offshore-only" status. |
| **PredictIt** | **Operational.**

Continues to operate, now benefiting from the broader regulatory shield being constructed by the CFTC for the entire industry. |

### **Why Is the CFTC Doing This?**

The "backing" is rooted in a desire to expand regulatory territory.

1. **Jurisdiction:** By classifying these contracts as "event derivatives" rather than "bets," the CFTC gains authority over a massive, high-volume market.
2. **Consumer Protection:** The CFTC argues that bringing these markets under federal oversight (clearinghouses, anti-fraud rules) is safer for consumers than letting them operate in gray markets or offshore.
3. **Legal Reality:** The courts have already ruled (in the *Kalshi* case) that the CFTC cannot arbitrarily ban these contracts just because they "feel" like gambling. The agency is now leaning into that ruling rather than fighting it.

### **Summary of Recent Events (Feb 2026)**

* **Feb 17, 2026:** CFTC Chairman Selig publishes an op-ed stating the agency "will no longer sit idly by" while states undermine federal authority, signaling a direct fight against state gaming commissions.
* **Feb 6, 2026:** The CFTC withdraws the "Event Contracts" rule proposal that would have banned political betting.
* **Ongoing:** The CFTC is actively supporting Crypto.com in a lawsuit against the Nevada Gaming Control Board, a move seen as a proxy war for the entire industry's right to operate in all 50 states.

**$USDC
$XRP
$ETH

#vanar $VANRY
The **Vanar Token (VANRY)** is the native utility asset of the **Vanar Chain**, an AI-native Layer-1 blockchain that evolved from the Virtua (formerly Terra Virtua) ecosystem. It rebranded from TVK to VANRY in late 2023.
@Vanarchain
As of February 2026, the project has transitioned from a focus on gaming and NFTs to becoming a comprehensive "intelligence layer" for the Web3 economy.

---

### ## Current Market Overview (February 18, 2026)

The token is currently navigating a period of broader market consolidation, reflecting a shift from speculative hype to "utility-driven" value.

* **Price:** Approximately **$0.0060 – $0.0064**.
* **Market Cap:** Roughly **$13M – $14M**.
* **Circulating Supply:** ~2.15 Billion VANRY (Max supply: 2.4 Billion).
* **Recent Performance:** The token hit a recent low of **$0.0051** earlier this month but has shown resilience, rebounding as the project showcases its 2026 roadmap at major conferences like **AIBC Eurasia** and **Consensus Hong Kong**.

---

### ### Key Pillars of the Vanar Ecosystem

Vanar differentiates itself by integrating AI directly into its protocol rather than using external services. Its architecture is built on five specialized layers:

1. **Neutron (The Memory Layer):** A data compression engine (up to 500:1 ratio) that allows large files like high-definition videos or legal documents to be stored permanently on-chain.
2. **Kayon (The Reasoning Layer):** A decentralized brain that allows smart contracts to "read" and "understand" data, enabling dApps to make autonomous decisions.
3. **PayFi & RWA:** The network is optimized for "Smart Payments" and Real-World Asset (RWA) tokenization, where AI manages the asset's value and compliance on-chain.
4. **Gaming & Entertainment:** Vanar maintains its roots through the **VGN (Vanar Gaming Network)**, featuring partnerships with giants like **NVIDIA** (Inception Program) and brands like **Shelby American**.

---

### ### 2026 Strategic Shift: The "SaaS-ification" of Web3

The most significant update for 2026 is Vanar's pivot to a **B2B subscription model**.

* **Subscription Model:** Core tools like *myNeutron* and *Kayon* are moving to a paid model. Enterprises pay a recurring fee (in VANRY or fiat/stablecoins) to access the AI stack.
* **Buy-and-Burn Mechanism:** Revenue from these subscriptions is used to buy back VANRY from the market. A portion is **burned** (deflationary), and the rest is distributed to stakers.
* **Governance 2.0:** Token holders now have direct control over AI model parameters, incentive rules, and smart contract cost calibrations.

### ### Outlook and Risks

* **The Bull Case:** If the subscription model gains traction with corporate partners like Worldpay or Shelby, VANRY could see a structural increase in demand that isn't tied to retail speculation.
* **The Bear Case:** As a small-cap altcoin, VANRY remains highly volatile and sensitive to Bitcoin's price movements. Success depends entirely on whether developers actually adopt its "AI-native" tools over more established chains like Ethereum or Solana.

**Would you like me to look into the specific technical requirements for staking VANRY or provide more details on its recent partnerships?**