A Washington state judge has issued a final order requiring KalshiEX, a prediction market, to cease many of its operations within the state. The court found that Kalshi likely violated the Washington Gambling Act and the Consumer Protection Act by operating an illegal gambling enterprise.
The order specifically prohibits Kalshi from offering, accepting, or facilitating wagers on sports, elections, politics, entertainment, culture, tech, and science for Washington residents. The company must implement IP address and residency-based geofencing solutions by September 2 to comply with the ruling.
Attorney General Nick Brown stated that Kalshi has profited from promoting wagers on a wide range of events, and this order bans them from offering most of these in Washington. The court also ruled that Kalshi's provision, marketing, and advertising of these activities constitute unfair and/or deceptive acts or practices. Kalshi is further banned from offering bets on 'mentions,' such as whether a public figure will say particular words.
The judge had previously granted a preliminary injunction in July 2026, finding that Kalshi's activities fell within Washington's definition of gambling and that substantial injury to consumers was likely without such an injunction. Kalshi's request to stay this injunction was denied by the Washington Court of Appeals.