US-based prediction market Kalshi has just hit a whole new level of the culture wars for its product, making a cameo in an ad for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. Best known for letting millions gamble on world and cultural events, Kalshi is now entering mainstream gaming culture.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Live-action mock-up news cycles follow the narrative of the game Viewers get a glimpse of a Kalshi question — about halfway through the teaser — which asks whether robots will take over for human soldiers in the US military. The poll was fictional bets and the response 76% for yes and 24% for no. Kalshi as an exchange is deeply ingrained in traditional markets, but this appearance is important in covering the cultural integration of Kalshi itself.
The teaser was shared on the X account of Kalshi with the caption, “Kalshi Call of Duty.” Prediction markets and culture have now fused into one. Kalshi is starting to cross over into pop culture, and this post points out that now includes the gaming world.
The extent of the partnership between Kalshi and Activision may actually go a bit deeper than what some online claims might suggest, but no formal announcement has confirmed this. However, just seeing Kalshi in the trailer marks a milestone for the exchange and a sign that the exchange [is] beginning to have real-world influence for entertainment and gaming.
Expect to hear more regarding Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 at Gamescom 2025 Opening Night Live Tuesday, August 19. This is a trend that Kalshi is picking up on as their name starts to make the rounds in traditional media and now it is evident that prediction markets have entered the realm of culture as well.
If Kalshi’s appearance in the Black Ops 7 teaser was simply a cameo, it certainly isn’t the last time digital prediction platforms had a role to play in shaping public discourse and entertainment culture. Having already amassed millions of users who have wagered on events such as The Game Awards 2025, Kalshi is establishing its place at the intersection of gaming, culture, and the predictive economy.
It is also fascinating to witness the evolution of Kalshi from a niche financial tool to a culturally recognized platform in mainstream media. The Black Ops 7 tease could very well be the tip of an iceberg of Kalshi collaborations, appearances, and integrations, and only serves to underscore the impact on gaming and pop culture that Kalshi wants to offer.
FAQ
Kalshi is an American market prediction platform that allows users to wager on global and cultural events—everything from elections to gaming awards.
The trailer features a Kalshi query about robots replacing soldiers; the results showing 76% yes votes and 24% no votes.
A deeper partnership is not thus far confirmed and Kalshi is seemingly making a brief cameo in the trailer.
We’ll have more information in the coming days during Gamescom 2025 Opening Night Live on Tuesday, August 19.
