A US Senate candidate who used a prediction market to test his own limits says he did it on purpose. Mark Moran, former investment banker and ex-FBoy Island contestant, has been fined $6,229.30 for insider trading on Kalshi, but claims it was all part of an attention-seeking strategy.

Moran told WIRED that he wanted to raise awareness about the role prediction markets play in society's decline. His stunt cost him a small fortune, but paid off in media exposure. He plans to use his platform to push for stronger regulation of these markets if elected.

The case highlights growing concerns over insider trading on political markets. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has banned state employees from such practices, while states sue leading prediction market companies for running unlicensed gambling operations.

Moran’s actions also reveal the lengths candidates will go to gain publicity in a crowded field. His 1% chance of winning the Virginia Democratic Primary might be slim, but his $100 bet could land him a seat at the table.