Are prediction markets legal in Missouri?
2026-10-17
Missouri's Attorney General told six prediction-market operators, including Kalshi, Polymarket, Robinhood and Novig, to get a sports-betting licence or stop, with 30-day deadlines that ran out around October 16–17, 2026. Novig has sued. All the platforms were still available when we checked.
| Platform | Status in Missouri (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 | No sports contracts |
| FanDuel Predicts | No sports contracts |
Prediction markets are available in Missouri, but they’re on notice. In September 2026 Missouri’s Attorney General told six operators, including Kalshi, Polymarket US, Robinhood and Novig, to obtain a sports-betting licence or stop offering sports contracts within 30 days. Those deadlines ran out around October 16–17, 2026. Novig sued the state in federal court on October 16. We couldn’t confirm any platform switching off Missouri as of October 17.
Missouri’s position
Missouri voters approved sports betting in December 2024, and it launched on December 1, 2025 (reported by KCTV5) under the Missouri Gaming Commission. State rules bar sports wagering by anyone under 21. Attorney General Catherine Hanaway’s letters, headed “Unlicensed Sport Wagering Operations in Missouri,” give each company two options: stop, or “(a) obtain a license from the Missouri Gaming Commission, (b) pay all associated state taxes and fees, and (c) stop offering sports wagering to persons in the State of Missouri under the age of 21.” Kalshi’s letter adds: “Otherwise, the State of Missouri will take legal action against Kalshi.” Announcing the letters, Hanaway said companies “cannot repackage sports bets as ‘event contracts’ to avoid Missouri law” (reported by KCTV5).
Who got letters
| Company | Letter date | Response we found |
|---|---|---|
| Kalshi | September 16, 2026 | No lawsuit found |
| Polymarket US (QCX LLC) | September 16, 2026 | No lawsuit found |
| Crypto.com | September 16, 2026 | No lawsuit found |
| Robinhood Derivatives | September 16, 2026 | No lawsuit found |
| Novig (Ludlow Exchange) | September 17, 2026 | Sued in federal court, October 16, 2026 |
| Underdog | September 17, 2026 | Not found |
North American Derivatives Exchange also sued Missouri on October 16, 2026, though it wasn’t among the letter recipients. PredictIt, ProphetX, DraftKings and FanDuel didn’t receive letters. DraftKings and FanDuel don’t offer sports contracts in Missouri, where they run licensed sportsbooks.
This situation may change quickly now that the deadlines have passed. See is Kalshi legal? and our legality tracker.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kalshi legal in Missouri?
It's contested. Missouri's Attorney General sent Kalshi a cease-and-desist on September 16, 2026, demanding it either stop or obtain a Missouri Gaming Commission licence, pay state taxes and bar under-21s, within 30 days. The letter warned the state 'will take legal action against Kalshi' otherwise. We found no lawsuit by Kalshi or the state as of October 17.
Which prediction markets got Missouri cease-and-desist letters?
Six, dated September 16–17, 2026: Kalshi, Polymarket (QCX LLC), Crypto.com, Robinhood, Novig (Ludlow Exchange) and Underdog. ProphetX, PredictIt, DraftKings and FanDuel weren't on the list.
Is sports betting legal in Missouri?
Yes. Missouri voters approved sports betting in December 2024, and it launched on December 1, 2025 (reported), regulated by the Missouri Gaming Commission. Bettors must be 21.
Sources
- Missouri Attorney General — cease-and-desist letter to Kalshi (September 16, 2026)
- Missouri Attorney General — cease-and-desist letter to Polymarket / QCX (September 16, 2026)
- Missouri Attorney General — cease-and-desist letter to Robinhood Derivatives (September 16, 2026)
- Missouri Attorney General — cease-and-desist letter to Crypto.com (September 16, 2026)
- Missouri Attorney General — cease-and-desist letter to Ludlow Exchange / Novig (September 17, 2026)
- Missouri Attorney General — cease-and-desist letter to Underdog (September 17, 2026)
- CourtListener — Ludlow Exchange (Novig) v. Hanaway, E.D. Mo. 4:26-cv-01780 (filed October 16, 2026)
- CourtListener — North American Derivatives Exchange v. Hanaway, W.D. Mo. 4:26-cv-00969 (filed October 16, 2026)
- KCTV5 — Missouri AG sends cease-and-desist letters to prediction market operators (September 18, 2026; secondary)
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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).