Kalshi launched a wild, fully AI-generated NBA Finals ad during Game 3 of the series on June 11. The 30-second spot zips through bizarre scenes — a pot-bellied partygoer cradling a Chihuahua, a bride speeding away on a golf cart, and a farmer lounging in a pool of eggs.
All footage was created using Google’s Veo 3 AI tool and took just two days to produce, said ad veteran P.J. Accetturo, who co-wrote the script with AI help from Gemini (Google/OpenAI). He ran about 300-400 AI generations to get 15 usable clips.
The ad gained over 3 million views on Kalshi’s X account a week after debut. It cost under $2,000 to generate the AI clips, far less than traditional ads that often run hundreds of thousands per spot. 
Kalshi media rep Jack Such told NPR:
"We are incredibly pleased with the outcome and effectiveness of the ad so far."
"It has generated a lot of buzz on social media."
Marketing analyst Debra Aho Williamson called the ad fitting for Kalshi’s prediction market focus — it shows fans shouting NBA Finals picks in wild everyday moments. She admitted it took multiple views to fully grasp the product but said the AI method grabbed attention.
Accetturo shared his full AI workflow online, explaining how prompts were refined through Gemini until video clips matched the vision. The final edit combined the clips with music to create the chaotic energy.
Experts say AI ads could lower entry barriers for smaller brands and speed up experimental campaigns. Georgia State marketing professor Alok Saboo thinks AI may also personalize ad versions for different audiences.
Saboo added:
"The students on one hand are using these tools to improve whatever they are doing."
"But as they move into the workforce, they are constantly being reminded of them having to compete with these tools."
"They have to eventually think of [AI] as an extended version of Google or computers, or any of the tools that came before."
Kalshi plans to keep using AI but won’t fully ditch traditional advertising, Such said.
"In the end, humans want to connect with humans."
Watch the AI ad here on YouTube.
Kalshi via YouTube/Screenshot by NPR
