Summary
- Massachusetts has now joined the growing list of states pursuing legal action against Kalshi.
- The Attorney General's office is taking decisive action on the matter this time.
- Kalshi insists it is not a sportsbook, and any arguments to the contrary are irrelevant.
Massachusetts is taking action against Kalshi, a well-known prediction market platform, highlighted in the state's newest lawsuit led by Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell. According to an official statement from the AG's Office, while Kalshi identifies itself as an online prediction market, Campbell asserts that the platform essentially facilitates and accepts online sports betting from Massachusetts residents.
Massachusetts files lawsuit against Kalshi through AG’s office
According to Campbell's office, Kalshi is operating without a license from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, violating sports gaming laws. The company has faced similar legal issues nationwide, though it's made some progress in New Jersey by arguing that its services don't qualify as gambling and thus aren't subject to those regulations. Campbell strongly disagrees, emphasizing that sports betting risks addiction and financial harm, requiring strict regulations to safeguard public health. She insists that if Kalshi wants to enter the Massachusetts sports gaming market, it must comply with the law and secure the proper license. This dispute is central to the ongoing legal battle. Kalshi has consistently rejected such accusations, firmly standing by its claim that it isn’t a gambling platform because it doesn’t set the odds and operates under regulations from the CFTC. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has expressed concern about prediction market platforms like Kalshi, saying they're pushing into sports betting without meeting essential requirements that sportsbooks must fulfill, including age limits, player protection programs, and state tax obligations.
The legal definition of prediction markets can make or break their case
Together with my fellow commissioners, I want to express our gratitude to the Attorney General for striving to uphold the law and ensuring these companies meet Massachusetts' stringent standards, stated Jordan Maynard, the Chair of the regulators, backing Campbell's strong stance against the industry. In a press release, the Attorney General acknowledged the unique characteristic of prediction markets but emphasized their striking resemblance to sports betting. It also pointed out the aggressive marketing strategies these platforms use to expand their audience reach. Campbell's office highlighted a concern that while Massachusetts mandates a legal gambling age of 21, companies like Kalshi allow participation from age 18. Kalshi defends this by arguing that their platform is distinct from traditional sportsbooks.
