Washington Court Orders Kalshi to Halt Most Prediction Markets in State

A Washington court has issued a final order requiring Kalshi to stop offering event contracts tied to sports, elections, politics, entertainment, culture, technology, science and public “mentions” within the state. The ruling follows findings that the company likely violated Washington’s gambling regulations.

Geofencing Deadlines Set

Kalshi has been ordered to implement an IP address and residency-based geofence by August 19, followed by a more advanced multi-source geofencing system by September 2, to block Washington users from accessing the restricted markets. The court also prohibited Kalshi from advertising these wagers to residents in the state, ruling that such marketing amounted to unfair and deceptive business practices.

Attorney General Responds

Washington Attorney General Nick Brown said Kalshi had profited from offering wagers tied to sports, elections, natural disasters and events connected to the Iran War, among others. He said the order bars the company from offering most of those products in Washington and that his office will continue enforcing state law against the company.

Some Products Remain Available

Not all Kalshi offerings are affected. Contracts related to commodities, climate, economics and finance can continue operating in Washington. The order builds on a preliminary injunction first issued in July. Kalshi had sought a stay from the Washington Court of Appeals, but the request was denied.

Part of a Broader Legal Pattern

This ruling adds to a growing list of state and local actions against Kalshi. Several states argue that the company’s sports-related event contracts amount to illegal gambling under state law and are not shielded by federal oversight under the Commodity Exchange Act. Kalshi maintains that federal law places it solely under the jurisdiction of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Separately, Baltimore also filed a lawsuit against both Kalshi and Polymarket on the same day over similar gambling allegations.