Short answer: it depends on your state, and the question is now before the U.S. Supreme Court. Kalshi says its sports contracts are federally regulated derivatives; many states say they are unlicensed sports betting.
Where the federal appeals courts stand (as of October 2026) - Third Circuit (New Jersey), April 6, 2026: Ruled 2–1 for Kalshi at the preliminary stage, finding federal law likely preempts state gambling law. - Ninth Circuit (Nevada), August 28, 2026: Ruled 3–0 against Kalshi, finding sports contracts likely aren't "swaps" under federal law. - Sixth Circuit (Ohio and Tennessee), September 25, 2026: Ruled 3–0 against Kalshi. Kalshi has asked for rehearing.
Supreme Court - New Jersey filed a petition (No. 26-299) on September 2, 2026, asking the Court to resolve the split. Ohio, 38 other states and D.C. filed a brief supporting it. Kalshi's response is due November 9, 2026. The Court hasn't said yet whether it will take the case.
What it means for you - Availability changes by state and sometimes week to week. Michigan, for example, has a court order barring Kalshi's sports contracts. - The CFTC argues federal law preempts the states and has sued several of them, including Minnesota, where a judge blocked a state ban. - Kalshi accepts users at 18, while most state-licensed sportsbooks require 21+.
This isn't legal advice. Check what the app shows where you are physically located.
Have you used prediction markets for sports? Did your access change after any of these rulings?
Where the federal appeals courts stand (as of October 2026) - Third Circuit (New Jersey), April 6, 2026: Ruled 2–1 for Kalshi at the preliminary stage, finding federal law likely preempts state gambling law. - Ninth Circuit (Nevada), August 28, 2026: Ruled 3–0 against Kalshi, finding sports contracts likely aren't "swaps" under federal law. - Sixth Circuit (Ohio and Tennessee), September 25, 2026: Ruled 3–0 against Kalshi. Kalshi has asked for rehearing.
Supreme Court - New Jersey filed a petition (No. 26-299) on September 2, 2026, asking the Court to resolve the split. Ohio, 38 other states and D.C. filed a brief supporting it. Kalshi's response is due November 9, 2026. The Court hasn't said yet whether it will take the case.
What it means for you - Availability changes by state and sometimes week to week. Michigan, for example, has a court order barring Kalshi's sports contracts. - The CFTC argues federal law preempts the states and has sued several of them, including Minnesota, where a judge blocked a state ban. - Kalshi accepts users at 18, while most state-licensed sportsbooks require 21+.
This isn't legal advice. Check what the app shows where you are physically located.
Have you used prediction markets for sports? Did your access change after any of these rulings?