WA: Judge blocks Kalshi contracts, cites state’s gambling law

Source: Reuters

“A judge granted Washington’s request to block Kalshi from offering its so-called event contracts in the state, saying ​the prediction markets platform likely violated the state’s gambling ‌laws. In a decision on Monday, Judge John McHale of the King County Superior Court granted Washington’s motion for a preliminary injunction. … The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, meanwhile, has claimed ​exclusive jurisdiction over the industry, and challenged regulatory activity in at least nine ‌states. In ⁠April, a divided federal appeals court cited the CFTC’s authority in blocking New Jersey gaming authorities from regulating Kalshi’s sports event contracts. ‘States don’t have jurisdiction to regulate prediction markets,’ Kalshi said in a statement ​on Tuesday. ‘We’re disappointed ​to see ⁠Washington state continue wasting taxpayer dollars.'” (07/21/26)

https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/washington-judge-blocks-kalshi-contracts-cites-states-gambling-law-2026-07-21/