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The Ohio Casino Control Commission has levied a $5M fine against Kalshi, claiming its sports-based prediction markets constitute unlicensed sports gaming.
What's the Scoop?
- Penalty Assessed: The Ohio Casino Control Commission plans to fine Kalshi $5M for operating what it calls an “unlicensed sportsbook,” escalating its crackdown on the prediction market platform.
- Regulatory Gaps: In their notice to Kalshi, Ohio officials flagged multiple regulatory violations, including the fact that it allows users under 21 to gamble, does not pay the state’s 20% gaming tax, and fails to meet Ohio's advertising standards.
- Injunction Denied: Last month, a federal judge denied Kalshi’s preliminary request to block enforcement of Ohio gaming regulation, expressing skepticism of whether the Commodity Exchange Act (the governing rulebook for commodity markets in America) allows prediction markets to circumvent state-level sports gambling laws.
- Ongoing Battle: Kalshi has already appealed last month's injunction denial to the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, and has 30 days to request a hearing on the proposed fine from Ohio's gaming regulator.
- Nationwide Contest: Kalshi is actively engaged in lawsuits with 10 U.S. states. The prediction market company has won preliminary injunctions in California, New Jersey, and Tennessee, but lost its arguments against Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, and Ohio.
Ohio put Kalshi on notice today that its “prediction markets” are unlawful gaming and proposed a $5 million fine. A federal court already agreed with our reading of the law.
— Dave Yost (@DaveYostOH) April 14, 2026
I wouldn’t bet on how long Kalshi will be operating in Ohio. pic.twitter.com/Gcw3GOTTlk
