BOSTON — A Massachusetts judge ruled Tuesday that prediction-markets operator Kalshi can’t let state residents bet on sports through its online platform. The state’s attorney general accused Kalshi of violating gaming regulations.
suffolk County Superior Court Judge Christopher barry-Smith in Boston announced he will issue a preliminary injunction.This injunction, requested by Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, will prohibit Kalshi from allowing users in the state to place financial bets on sporting events without a license.
“Licensure,and the oversight that comes with it,of sports wagering operations serves both public health and safety,and the Commonwealth’s financial interest,” Barry-Smith wrote in his decision.
The judge plans to finalize the injunction, requiring Kalshi to comply with the state’s sports wagering law. He will consider pausing the order to allow for an appeal during a hearing on Friday.
Campbell stated the ruling is “a major step toward fortifying Massachusetts’ gambling laws and mitigating the significant public health consequences that come with unregulated gambling.”
Kalshi declined to comment,but previously stated it would appeal any injunction.
