Are Prediction Markets Legal in Washington?
Last updated September 27, 2026. Snapshot — not legal advice.
As of September 27, 2026, Washington has a restriction on prediction-market platforms currently in effect.
Litigation affecting Washington
State of Washington v. KalshiEX LLCAn amended preliminary injunction bars sports, elections, politics, entertainment, culture, tech/science and “mentions” contracts in Washington while expressly sparing commodities, climate, economics and finance; Judge McHale denied Kalshi’s motion to reconsider it in September 2026.
Amended preliminary injunction in effect
Robinhood Derivatives LLC v. GriffinAdministratively stayed by stipulation (May 2026) pending the Ninth Circuit, under a negotiated order governing enforcement in the meantime.
Administratively stayed pending the Ninth Circuit
Ludlow Exchange LLC (Novig) v. BrownNovig sued Washington’s Attorney General and Gambling Commission (August 2026); no ruling yet.
Filed; no ruling
North American Derivatives Exchange, Inc. (Crypto.com) v. BrownStayed by stipulation (August 2026) pending Ninth Circuit resolution, under a negotiated order governing enforcement in the meantime.
Stayed pending the Ninth Circuit
Underdog Exchange DCM Inc. v. BrownUnderdog sued WA officials (September 8, 2026) for a declaration that federal law preempts state enforcement against its sports event contracts.
Filed; no ruling
Which platforms are available in Washington?
Each platform’s own published availability list, checked September 24, 2026. This table covers the platforms whose complete list we could verify from a primary source: Kalshi, Polymarket (international), DKeX (DraftKings Predictions), Underdog (Underdog Predict), Novig.
| Platform | Status in Washington | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kalshi | Offered, with sports, elections, politics, entertainment, culture, tech and science, mentions restricted | Court order · Case Court order · Case Court order · Case Court order · Case Court order · Case Court order · Case Court order · Case |
| Polymarket (international) | Unavailable here | Platform’s list |
| DKeX (DraftKings Predictions) | Financial markets only | Platform’s list (archived Sep 16) |
| Underdog (Underdog Predict) | Offered here, per the platform’s own availability list | Platform’s list |
| Novig | Offered here, per the platform’s own availability list | Platform’s list |
Sports betting & gambling in Washington
Legalized 2020; in-person wagering at tribal casinos only — no statewide mobile The market is regulated by the Washington State Gambling Commission. Tribal gaming: Significant (tribal-only market; relevant to IGRA).
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.