Are Prediction Markets Legal in Ohio?

Last updated August 16, 2026. Snapshot — not legal advice.

As of August 16, 2026, Ohio has a restriction on prediction-market platforms currently in effect.

Prediction markets in Ohio

Restriction in effect; fine contested

Federal courts declined to shield Kalshi from Ohio enforcement; its appeal is consolidated with Tennessee at the Sixth Circuit (argued July 2026). The Casino Control Commission separately proposed a $5 million fine, which Kalshi is challenging in state court.

Litigation affecting Ohio

KalshiEX LLC v. Schuler (6th Cir., consolidated with the Tennessee appeal)Tennessee PI granted (Feb 2026) / Ohio PI denied; the Sixth Circuit consolidated both for argument in late July 2026.

Argued; decision pending

KalshiEX LLC v. Ohio Casino Control Commission (fine challenge)Ohio’s Casino Control Commission proposed a $5M fine; Kalshi sued in state court to block it (June 2026). The CFTC backed Kalshi; 39 states + D.C. backed Ohio.

Pending — fine contested

Sports betting & gambling in Ohio

Legal — Online & Retail

Legalized 2021; retail and online launched January 1, 2023 The market is regulated by the Ohio Casino Control Commission. Tribal gaming: not a factor.

The federal-vs-state fight

Every entry in this fight turns on the same question: does a prediction-market platform's federal regulation by the CFTC preempt a state's gambling law, or does the state retain authority to restrict it? Courts around the country are answering that question differently — sometimes for the platform, sometimes for the state — and almost every ruling so far is preliminary and under appeal. Treat this page as a snapshot, not a final word.

This page is informational, not legal advice. Nearly every litigation entry referenced here is a preliminary ruling under appeal. Always verify a platform's current, location-specific eligibility directly with the venue before relying on this page.