Host of “Survivor“, Jeff Probst, has spoken out about prediction markets during an interview with Variety. He has taken a stand against prediction markets, stating, “They have figured out a way to capitalize on the show. It doesn’t sit well with me as a human.”
Probst had an eventful end to the “Survivor” season 50 airing, following a well-managed comeback after confusion on set spoiled the final three. However, the live show slip-up wasn’t Probst’s main concern after sitting down with Variety and learning that Aubrey Bracco’s season 50 win was spoiled by a social media post by Kalshi.
According to information from Variety‘s exclusive, Kalshi‘s “Survivor” prediction market had reached $32.7 million dollars, with Bracco’s possible win listed at 97%.
Jeff Probst Says He Is “Not Happy” About Spoiler Post
ParamountIn the Variety interview, after being told that Prediction Market platform Kalshi released a push notification ahead of the finale airtime, it was revealed that Probst wasn’t aware of when it had gone live or the impact it had on those who encountered it. The Kalshi post read, “Survivor S50 finale TONIGHT. Aubry’s at 97% – is the island already decided?”
Probst went on to comment, “I’m not happy about it. I am learning this in real time – this is announced before our finale?” He goes on to say, “Clearly, if 90% of the people are voting for somebody, there is a leak.”
Spoilers have been a problem for “Survivor”, leading the production team to require strict NDAs to be signed by all players and those who know what the results of an unaired season will be. These contracts include language about prediction markets, barring players and staff from using their knowledge for profit.
Kalshi Spokesperson Responds to Probst
ParamountProbst went on to explain his stance on prediction markets, stating, “To look at us, the producers, as though we have a problem, is the mirror pointing in the wrong direction.” He then dives into the struggle with having knowledge that has such a high price tag when shared, “If the issue is that Survivor needs to do a better job of managing our spoilers, you just don’t know anything about humans.” He then adds, “You’re telling me there’s a way I can make money by sharing information I have, and I might not ever get caught? Of course, people are going to do that.”
He then added with finality, “If I found out somebody on our show bet on this, they’d be fired.”
Elisabeth Diana, a Kalshi spokesperson, has responded to Probst’s concerns, stating, “If the market volume on ‘Survivor’ is any indication, this isn’t something that’s stopping people from caring about Survivor.” The comment directly tackles the concerns Probst and other showrunners have about the impact of prediction markets on finale outcomes.
According to Variety, CBS will be modifying its contracts to directly tackle prediction markets in an attempt to prevent spoilers for future seasons. Probst’s stance against the use of betting and gambling on the show, especially if it ruins the experience for the audience, gives a solid breakdown of how the “Survivor” host feels about the prediction market and its overall impact.
