Are prediction markets legal in Pennsylvania?
2026-10-17
Prediction markets are available in Pennsylvania. Its Gaming Control Board opposes sports event contracts, but it hasn't sent cease-and-desist letters, and Pennsylvania sits in the Third Circuit, the one federal appeals court that has ruled for Kalshi.
| Platform | Status in Pennsylvania (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 currently available in Pennsylvania. As of October 17, 2026 we found no Pennsylvania cease-and-desist letters or lawsuits against Kalshi, Polymarket US, Novig or PredictIt. The state’s Gaming Control Board is openly opposed to sports event contracts, though, and the federal court picture could change.
Pennsylvania’s position
Pennsylvania licenses sports betting online and in person through the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, and the minimum age is 21. The Board has pushed back on prediction markets through letters rather than enforcement:
- October 2025: its executive director wrote to the state’s members of Congress that “these markets effectively create a backdoor to legalized sports betting.”
- April 2026: it filed comments with the CFTC that named Kalshi, arguing that “just because the Commission may be able to authorize DCMs offering these markets, doesn’t mean it should.”
A bill introduced in July 2026, HB 2711, would set consumer-protection rules for event contracts rather than ban them. It was reported stalled in committee in August.
Why the Third Circuit matters
Pennsylvania is in the Third Circuit, which on April 6, 2026 ruled for Kalshi in New Jersey’s case, holding that federal law gives the CFTC “exclusive jurisdiction” over Kalshi’s sports contracts. That ruling binds federal courts in Pennsylvania too, which makes state enforcement harder for now. New Jersey has asked the Supreme Court to review it (docket 26-299). See is Kalshi legal?
Other platforms
DraftKings and FanDuel don’t offer sports contracts in Pennsylvania, where they run licensed sportsbooks. For every state side by side, see our legality tracker.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kalshi legal in Pennsylvania?
Yes, as of October 2026. We found no Pennsylvania cease-and-desist or lawsuit against Kalshi. Pennsylvania is in the Third Circuit, which ruled in April 2026 that federal law pre-empts New Jersey's attempt to stop Kalshi's sports contracts, though New Jersey has asked the Supreme Court to review that ruling.
Is sports betting legal in Pennsylvania?
Yes, online and in person, regulated by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. The minimum age is 21.
What does Pennsylvania say about prediction markets?
The Gaming Control Board opposes sports event contracts. Its executive director told Pennsylvania's members of Congress in October 2025 that 'these markets effectively create a backdoor to legalized sports betting,' and in April 2026 it urged the CFTC not to allow them.
Sources
- Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board — executive director alerts Pennsylvania's congressional delegation (October 2025)
- Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board — comments to the CFTC on prediction markets (May 2026)
- Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board — FAQ: minimum age (21)
- US Court of Appeals, Third Circuit — KalshiEX v. Flaherty (April 6, 2026)
- US Supreme Court — Docket 26-299, Flaherty v. KalshiEX
- Covers — Pennsylvania bill to regulate prediction markets (July 2026; 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).