State guide · updated July 2026
Prediction markets in California
Federally regulated event contracts on Kalshi and ForecastEx are accessible to California residents. State gambling regulators have not (as of mid-2026) issued direct enforcement against CFTC-regulated venues, but the legal landscape continues to evolve.
- State regulator
- California Department of Justice / California Gambling Control Commission
- Recommended platforms
- Kalshi, ForecastEx
Platform availability in California
Available to California residents subject to Kalshi's standard KYC.
Polymarket is not legally available to US residents.
Available to California residents subject to ForecastEx's standard KYC.
FAQ
California prediction market questions
Are prediction markets legal in California?+
Federally regulated event contracts on Kalshi and ForecastEx are accessible to California residents. State gambling regulators have not (as of mid-2026) issued direct enforcement against CFTC-regulated venues, but the legal landscape continues to evolve.
Is Kalshi available in California?+
Available to California residents subject to Kalshi's standard KYC.
Are sports event contracts available in California?+
Sports event contracts are subject to the same federal CFTC framework and are generally accessible to California residents, though that may change.
What should I know before signing up from California?+
Confirm the platform's current state availability on its own site before depositing funds. Use only regulated US exchanges; trade only what you can afford to lose; and read each platform's risk and terms documentation.
Other states