Prediction markets sit in a legal grey zone that is changing fast. In the US, regulated exchanges answer to the federal CFTC while states fight over sports contracts; abroad, many countries treat prediction markets as gambling and block them. These guides explain where things stand, with dates, so you can check before you sign up.
Start here: Is Kalshi legal? and Are prediction markets gambling? State guides: New York · New Jersey · Massachusetts · Maryland · Ohio · Michigan · Minnesota · Texas · Florida · Arizona · Utah · Nevada · Washington · California · Pennsylvania · Georgia · Wisconsin · Hawaii · Montana.
Is Polymarket legal in the US?
Legal for Americans via Polymarket US; the main exchange is closed. History and the full country list.
Open →Is Kalshi legal in California?
Available statewide, but a 2026 appeals ruling hits sports contracts on tribal land.
Open →Is Kalshi legal?
Federal status, the court split and restricted states.
Open →Are prediction markets gambling?
Swaps or bets? Both sides and the court split.
Open →Is Kalshi legal in Texas?
Available for now; lawmakers are studying it.
Open →Is Kalshi legal in Washington State?
Restricted by court order to economics and finance.
Open →Is Kalshi legal in Florida?
Available, with the Seminole compact to watch.
Open →Is Novig legal?
CFTC licence, excluded states and lawsuits.
Open →Is Kalshi legal in Nevada?
Sports contracts stopped by a court injunction.
Open →Is Kalshi legal in New Jersey?
Available, with a Supreme Court petition pending.
Open →Is Kalshi legal in Ohio?
Contested after the Sixth Circuit's ruling.
Open →Is Kalshi legal in New York?
Lawsuits on both sides; still available for now.
Open →Is Kalshi legal in Michigan?
Sports contracts barred by a court order.
Open →Is Kalshi legal in Utah?
A gambling ban, state wins so far, and a CFTC suit.
Open →Is Kalshi legal in Minnesota?
A state ban, blocked by a federal judge.
Open →Is Kalshi legal in Maryland?
Available while a federal appeal is pending.
Open →Is Kalshi legal in Arizona?
Criminal charges blocked by a federal court.
Open →Is Kalshi legal in Massachusetts?
An injunction on hold while the SJC decides.
Open →Is Kalshi legal in Pennsylvania?
Available; the Third Circuit sided with Kalshi.
Open →Is Kalshi legal in Georgia?
Available; no state action to block it.
Open →Is Kalshi legal in Wisconsin?
Contested: the state is suing five platforms.
Open →Is Kalshi legal in Hawaii?
Available; a 2026 ban bill stalled.
Open →Is Kalshi legal in Montana?
Available under a truce with regulators.
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