New Yorkers can now use Kalshi to trade on Syracuse basketball—here’s how, and why it’s legal when in-state college sports betting isn’t

It is a frustration every Syracuse sports fan in New York knows too well. You open your favorite sportsbook app on game day, ready to back the Orange, only to remember the rule: New York state law prohibits betting on in-state college teams.

While you can bet on Kansas or Duke, games involving Syracuse University are strictly off-limits on platforms like DraftKings or FanDuel if you are physically located within state lines.

However, for tonight’s matchup against Notre Dame, there is a new, federally regulated alternative available to New Yorkers.

Kalshi, a prediction market exchange regulated by the federal CFTC (Commodity Futures Trading Commission), is live with markets for Syracuse vs. Notre Dame this Saturday, January 31.

Because Kalshi operates as a financial exchange rather than a traditional sportsbook, it offers a unique opportunity for NY residents to legally trade on the outcomes of in-state games.

Below we break down how Kalshi works, why it’s legal, and how to trade Syracuse vs. Notre contracts before 6:00pm tip-off tonight.

The “In-state” workaround: Why Kalshi is different for college sports

The reason you cannot find Syracuse games on standard sportsbooks is due to New York State Gaming Commission regulations that ban wagering on NY-based collegiate athletics.

Kalshi, however, is not a sportsbook. It is a financial exchange where users trade “event contracts.” Instead of betting against a bookie, you are trading probability shares with other people. Because Kalshi is regulated federally by the CFTC, it operates under a different framework, allowing it to offer markets that state-level regulations often restrict.

This means for the first time in years, New Yorkers can back the Orange from their living rooms in Syracuse, Rochester, or NYC.

How trading the Syracuse-Notre Dame game works (real prices and examples)

If you have never used a prediction market, the mechanics are simpler than traditional betting odds. There are no -150 or +130 moneyline numbers.

On Kalshi, every contract pays out exactly $1.00 if the prediction happens, and $0.00 if it doesn’t. The price you pay to buy the contract represents the market’s probability of that event happening.

Here is a look at the live markets for tonight’s Notre Dame vs. Syracuse game as of early Saturday morning:

1. Who will win the game?

• Syracuse (Yes): Trading at 66¢.
  • What this means: The market gives Syracuse a roughly 65% chance to win.
  • The payout: If you buy 100 shares for $66 and Syracuse wins, you get paid $100. That is a $34 profit.
• Notre Dame (Yes): Trading at 35¢.
  • The payout: If you back the underdog Irish and they win, your 35¢ share turns into $1.00, nearly tripling your money.

2. The spread (Syracuse -4.5)

• Will Syracuse win by more than 4.5 points?
• Yes: Trading at 51¢.
• No: Trading at 51¢.
• Analysis: The market is split almost perfectly down the middle, suggesting a tight battle against the spread.

3. Total points (Over 144.5)

• Will the total score exceed 144.5?
• Yes: Trading at 54¢.
• No: Trading at 51¢.

Market comparison: Kalshi vs. sportsbooks

For fans who track odds nationally (where betting on Syracuse is legal), Kalshi’s exchange model often provides competitive or better value because there is no “vig” (the fee sportsbooks charge) baked into the price in the same way.

Here is how the current Kalshi markets compare to the best available lines from major online sportsbooks:

Why the “Implied Odds” above matter:

The difference between the sportsbook line (-220) and the Kalshi equivalent (-194) might look like just a number, but it represents real savings.

In traditional betting, -220 means you must risk $22.00 to win a $10.00 profit. On Kalshi, the price of 66¢ means you only have to risk roughly $19.40 to make that same $10.00 profit. Because you are trading directly with other users rather than a sportsbook that charges a heavy fee, you can back the same team for less money.

How to use our Kalshi promo code to unlock a $10 trading bonus for Syracuse basketball

If you are ready to trade on tonight’s game, our new Kalshi promo code, “SYRACUSE,” helps mitigate the cost on your first few trades and initial deposit.

The offer: Trade $10, Get $10.

The code: SYRACUSE

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Sign up: Go to Kalshi.com or download the app.
2. Enter code: Input SYRACUSE in the promo code field during registration (it will populate automatically if you sign up with the link above).
3. Deposit: Fund your account (instant bank transfers are available).
4. Trade: Place trades totaling $10 on the Syracuse game (e.g., buy roughly 15 shares of Syracuse to win).
5. Get bonus: Once the requirement is met, a $10 bonus credit is added to your account.

A new way to watch the Orange

For years, New York’s betting laws have forced Syracuse fans to sit on the sidelines when it comes to wagering on their own team. With Kalshi’s regulated exchange model, that barrier is gone.

Whether you think the Orange will defend the Dome easily (buy Yes at 66¢) or you fear an upset by the Fighting Irish (buy Notre Dame at 35¢), you can finally back your opinion with real trades.

Disclaimer: Financial trading involves risk. The prices listed in this article were accurate as of 6:00 AM on Saturday, Jan 31, 2026, and may fluctuate before tip-off.

Must be 18 years or older and have a legal, U.S. residential address within the applicable state, D.C., or U.S. territories. Not available in AZ, IL, MA, MD, MI, MT, NJ, and OH.

If you or a loved one has questions or needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit 1800gambler.net for more information.