Is Kalshi Legal in Ohio? (2026) Sixth Circuit Ruling

Is Kalshi legal in Ohio? It’s contested. A federal appeals panel ruled against Kalshi in September 2026 on whether Ohio’s gambling laws can apply to its sports contracts, Kalshi has asked the full court to rehear the case, the governor says the state will enforce its laws, and Ohio’s regulator has sent cease-and-desist letters to other platforms. This guide sets out where things stand, as of October 28, 2026.

At a glance

Platform	Ohio status (Oct 2026)
Kalshi	A Sixth Circuit panel ruled against Kalshi; its request for a full-court rehearing is pending, and the state says it will enforce its law
Polymarket and Novig	Among 10 operators sent cease-and-desist letters in October 2026
Sportsbooks	Legal and regulated since January 2023

What’s happened in Ohio

On September 25, 2026 a Sixth Circuit panel ruled unanimously against Kalshi, finding its sports contracts aren’t swaps and state law isn’t preempted. Kalshi asked the full court to rehear the case on October 13; that request was pending when we checked.
Gov. Mike DeWine said in October that Ohio will enforce its laws against Kalshi. The Ohio Casino Control Commission had fined Kalshi $5 million in April 2026.
On October 2, 2026 the commission sent cease-and-desist letters to 10 prediction market operators, including Polymarket and Novig, with an October 16 deadline. Polymarket US then sued Ohio officials in federal court (QCX LLC v. Wilson).

Sources, checked October 28, 2026:

DeFi Rate: Kalshi asks the full Sixth Circuit to rehear the case (Oct 14, 2026)
Statehouse News Bureau: DeWine says Ohio will enforce state law (Oct 2, 2026)
Covers: Ohio sends cease-and-desist notices to 10 prediction market companies (Oct 5, 2026)
DeFi Rate: Polymarket US sues Ohio officials (QCX LLC v. Wilson) (updated Oct 27, 2026)

Why it matters

Ohio regulates sports betting itself and sees sports event contracts as unlicensed competition. The national picture, including the split between federal appeals courts and New Jersey’s Supreme Court petition, is in Is Kalshi legal?

FAQ

Is Kalshi legal in Ohio?

Contested. A September 2026 appeals panel ruling went against Kalshi, Kalshi has asked the full court to rehear it, and the state says it will enforce its law. Check the Kalshi app for what’s available where you are.

Is Polymarket legal in Ohio?

Polymarket’s main exchange isn’t open to US residents. Check the Polymarket US app for what it offers in Ohio.