Are prediction markets legal in Washington?

Washington is one of the most restrictive states. A court order bars Kalshi from offering sports, election, political and several other markets there, and the state Gambling Commission says event contracts are 'not authorized in Washington State.'

Prediction markets face more restrictions in Washington than almost anywhere else. As of October 17, 2026, a state court order bars Kalshi from most of its markets in Washington, including sports, elections and politics. The Washington State Gambling Commission says event contracts are “not authorized in Washington State.” Other platforms are still available, but some are in litigation.

The state’s position

In December 2025 the Washington State Gambling Commission issued guidance stating: “Offering events-based contracts or participating in these markets is not authorized in Washington State.” Unusually, that wording covers participation as well as offering. It doesn’t name any platform. Sports betting itself is legal only “on a very limited basis,” restricted to tribal casinos, and mobile bets can only be placed on the premises. The Commission’s rules bar anyone under 18.

Kalshi in Washington

Washington’s Attorney General sued Kalshi in King County Superior Court in March 2026. After a preliminary injunction in July, an order announced on August 13, 2026 requires Kalshi to stop offering markets on “sports, elections, politics, entertainment, culture, tech and science, or mentions in Washington.” Kalshi had to add an IP and residency geofence by August 19 and a multi-source geofence by September 2. The AG said Washington’s Court of Appeals denied Kalshi’s request to pause the order. A later reconsideration bid was reported denied in September. Kalshi’s economics, finance, climate and commodities markets reportedly remain available. See is Kalshi legal?

Other platforms

• Novig sued Washington officials in federal court (W.D. Wash., August 2026). The case is at an early stage, and Novig still lists Washington as available.
• Robinhood sued Washington in March 2026. The state reportedly agreed not to enforce while related Ninth Circuit appeals play out. The Ninth Circuit ruled against Kalshi in the Nevada case on August 28, 2026, and Robinhood has asked the Supreme Court to review its own Nevada loss (docket 26-338).
• Polymarket US and PredictIt: we found no Washington action against either.
• DraftKings and FanDuel don’t offer sports contracts in Washington.

For every state side by side, see our legality tracker.

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).