Are prediction markets legal in North Carolina?
2026-10-17
Prediction markets are available in North Carolina, and the state has gone further than most: its 2026 budget reportedly recognises the CFTC's authority over event contracts and taxes them from January 1, 2027. We found no enforcement action against any platform.
| Platform | Status in North Carolina (October 17, 2026) |
|---|---|
| Kalshi | Available |
| Polymarket US | Available |
| Novig | Available |
| PredictIt | Available |
| Robinhood | Available |
| DraftKings Predictions | No sports contracts |
| FanDuel Predicts | No sports contracts |
Yes, prediction markets are legal and available in North Carolina. As of October 17, 2026 we found no enforcement action against Kalshi, Polymarket US, Novig or PredictIt. North Carolina is also one of the first states to move toward accommodating prediction markets rather than fighting them.
North Carolina’s position
North Carolina launched online sports betting “at noon on March 11, 2024,” regulated by the State Lottery Commission. Bettors must be 21. In July 2026, Governor Josh Stein signed the state budget (SB 257). According to reporting by Decrypt, Bloomberg Law and SBC Americas, it:
- recognises the CFTC’s “exclusive federal regulatory authority” over event contracts on CFTC-registered exchanges, and says the state won’t impose “any license, registration, or other regulatory requirements” on them; and
- imposes a 6% tax on “net trading fee revenue that is attributable to North Carolina residents,” from January 1, 2027.
We couldn’t open the official bill text (the legislature’s site blocked our access), so treat the exact terms as reported, not confirmed.
What’s available
Kalshi, Polymarket US, Robinhood, Novig (21+) and PredictIt all list North Carolina as available. DraftKings Predictions and FanDuel Predicts don’t offer sports contracts here, because North Carolina has legal online sports betting. Compare every state in our legality tracker, or see is Kalshi legal?
Frequently asked questions
Is Kalshi legal in North Carolina?
Yes. We found no lawsuit, cease-and-desist or regulator action against Kalshi or other prediction markets in North Carolina as of October 2026. The state's 2026 budget reportedly recognises the CFTC's 'exclusive federal regulatory authority' over event contracts on CFTC-registered exchanges.
Does North Carolina tax prediction markets?
Reportedly yes, from January 1, 2027: a 6% tax on 'net trading fee revenue that is attributable to North Carolina residents,' under the budget Governor Josh Stein signed on July 7, 2026 (SB 257). We couldn't access the official bill text to confirm the details.
Is sports betting legal in North Carolina?
Yes. Online sports wagering launched at noon on March 11, 2024, regulated by the North Carolina State Lottery Commission. You must be 21.
Sources
- North Carolina State Lottery Commission — Sports wagering one-year anniversary report
- North Carolina General Statutes § 18C-902 (under-21 prohibition)
- Decrypt — North Carolina bill recognizes CFTC's federal regulatory authority over prediction markets (July 2026; secondary)
- Bloomberg Law — North Carolina's Stein OKs taxes on prediction markets, gambling (July 2026; secondary)
- SBC Americas — North Carolina governor signs budget adding prediction markets tax (July 7, 2026; secondary)
- DK Network — DraftKings Predictions available states (July 22, 2026)
- Novig Help Center — Eligibility & legality
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).