Political and Legislation Reporter

Pat Evans

Pat Evans has nearly two decades of experience covering complex industries. Before joining Defi Rate in 2026, he spent more than 15 years writing about sports betting, food and beverage, construction, health care and sports business for national and regional outlets. He previously worked as a reporter and editor for publications including the Grand Rapids Business Journal, Front Office Sports, Legal Sports Report and iGaming Business, where he began in-depth reporting on prediction markets. Pat holds a political science degree from Michigan State University.

Focus Areas

Politics

Legislation

Background

Pat holds a political science degree from Michigan State University.

A journalist since 2008, Pat has specialized in business reporting and since 2019, has built a reputation as a go-to source on how legislation and regulation shape the fast-changing gambling industry. For more than a decade, he established himself as a food and beverage expert with two books as well as national bylines including Thrillist, Gear Patrol and Beer Connoisseur Magazine.

When he’s not working, Pat enjoys exploring new restaurants and bars, reading, playing basketball and working on creative writing projects. He’s based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he has spent much of his career chronicling the city’s history.

Experience

Recent Articles

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Kansas Senate governor primary elections prediction markets

US Elections

Prediction Markets Suggesting Kansas Primaries Are Mostly Routs, But the Governor Race Still Offers a Measure of Red-State Drift

Kansas is not shaping up as a meaningful 2026 Senate battleground, and prediction markets are treating Sen. Roger Marshall’s reelection as the safe side of the ledger with chances at greater than 80%. The more interesting race is for governor, where Democrats look to replace a sitting governor but face a tough general election climb in a state that usually defaults Republican.

July 31, 2026

US Elections

Obama Backs Turek In Iowa Senate Race, Prediction Markets Still Weary of Democratic Chances

President Barack Obama’s second endorsement of the 2026 midterms gives Josh Turek a boost in an open Iowa Senate race that could matter for control of the chamber. Despite tightening polls, prediction markets are still leaning toward Ashley Hinson at nearly 60%, showing just how much Iowa’s red history still shapes the race.

July 30, 2026

General

Fed Holds Steady, Prediction Markets Pivot to a September Hike

The Fed left rates unchanged on Wednesday, but the decision sparked a credibility shock in markets as traders questioned how long new Chairman Kevin Warsh can hold with inflation still elevated. Kalshi is already pricing a 51% chance of a September hike.

July 30, 2026

Federal Reserve July prediction markets rate decision

General

Prediction Markets See a Fed Hold, But Warsh Has Left the Door Open to a Hawkish Surprise

Kalshi and Polymarket both see a hold as the clear result in July, at 72% and 73%, while longer-dated contracts still price a meaningful chance of a hike later this year, showing traders think Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh is keeping the tightening path alive.

July 29, 2026

General

Prediction Markets Doubtful SAVE America Act Passes

The SAVE America Act would require proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections, but prediction markets are still skeptical it becomes law this year, with Kalshi traders at 7.6% chance it passes on $9.9 million in volume.

July 28, 2026