Are prediction markets legal in Massachusetts?
2026-10-17
Massachusetts's Attorney General sued Kalshi in 2025, and the case is now before the state's highest court, which heard argument in May 2026. Polymarket US and Novig have their own federal suits against the state. All platforms remain available while the courts decide.
| Platform | Status in Massachusetts (October 17, 2026) |
|---|---|
| Kalshi | Available — state action contested |
| Polymarket US | Available — state action contested |
| Novig | Available — state action contested |
| PredictIt | Available |
| Robinhood | Available — state action contested |
| DraftKings Predictions | Unclear — check the app |
| FanDuel Predicts | No sports contracts |
Prediction markets are available in Massachusetts while its highest court decides whether the state can stop Kalshi’s sports contracts. As of October 17, 2026, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has heard the case but not ruled. Polymarket US and Novig are suing the state in federal court, and those cases are on hold pending the state appeal.
Massachusetts’s position
Massachusetts legalised sports betting in a law signed on August 10, 2022, regulated by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. Attorney General Andrea Campbell sued Kalshi in September 2025, arguing its sports contracts are unlicensed sports wagering.
Kalshi in Massachusetts
The case is now before the Supreme Judicial Court (SJC-13906), which heard argument on May 4, 2026. The CFTC filed a supporting brief in April 2026, with Chairman Selig writing that “Congress has entrusted the CFTC with the sole authority to regulate commodity derivatives markets.” The multistate Supreme Court brief filed in October 2026 described the decision as pending. We found no ruling as of October 17. It could be the next major court decision on prediction markets. See is Kalshi legal?
Other platforms
- Polymarket US: sued Massachusetts officials in federal court on February 9, 2026. On March 5 the judge administratively closed the case until “Kalshi has exhausted it’s state appellate rights.”
- Novig: sued the Attorney General and Gaming Commission in federal court in August 2026. Gambling Insider reported a stay, with the state agreeing not to enforce in the meantime.
- Robinhood: sued Massachusetts in 2025; that case ended in March 2026.
- PredictIt: no Massachusetts action found.
- DraftKings and FanDuel don’t offer sports contracts in Massachusetts, where they run licensed sportsbooks.
Compare every state in our legality tracker.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kalshi legal in Massachusetts?
It's available but contested. Attorney General Andrea Campbell sued Kalshi in 2025, and the dispute is now before the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (SJC-13906), which heard argument on May 4, 2026. We found no decision as of October 17, 2026. The CFTC filed a brief supporting Kalshi.
Is Polymarket legal in Massachusetts?
Polymarket US is available. It sued Massachusetts officials in federal court in February 2026, and the judge administratively closed that case until Kalshi's state appeals are exhausted.
Is sports betting legal in Massachusetts?
Yes. Massachusetts legalised sports betting in a law signed on August 10, 2022, regulated by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.
Sources
- Massachusetts Gaming Commission — sports wagering in Massachusetts
- CFTC — Press release 9219-26: amicus brief to the Massachusetts SJC (April 24, 2026)
- CourtListener search — QCX LLC (Polymarket US) v. Campbell, D. Mass. 1:26-cv-10651
- CourtListener — Ludlow Exchange (Novig) v. Campbell, D. Mass. 1:26-cv-13615
- US Supreme Court — States' amicus brief in Flaherty v. KalshiEX, No. 26-299 (on the pending SJC case)
- Gambling Insider — Novig Massachusetts case stay (secondary)
Last checked:
Not legal or betting advice. 18+ (21+ where required). Prediction markets involve risk of loss — only trade what you can afford to lose. Gambling problem? Call or text 1-800-MY-RESET (National Problem Gambling Helpline, 24/7).