Kalshi Ordered to Halt Wagering in Washington

A U.S. District Court judge in Washington has ordered Kalshi, the online betting exchange, to cease offering wagers to residents of the state. The court’s directive requires the company to implement geofencing technology that blocks access to its platform from within Washington’s borders. The order follows a lawsuit alleging that Kalshi’s operations violate state gambling laws, which prohibit the sale of betting services to Washington residents.

Kalshi’s compliance plan will involve technical measures to detect and prevent users in Washington from placing bets, as well as ongoing monitoring to ensure the restriction is enforced. The company has said it will cooperate with the court and will adjust its platform to comply with the geofencing requirement. The ruling underscores the growing scrutiny of online betting firms and the importance of state‑level regulatory compliance.

If Kalshi fails to comply, the court may impose additional sanctions, including monetary penalties or further restrictions on its business. The decision is expected to prompt other betting operators to review their geographic restrictions and may influence how regulators approach enforcement of state gambling statutes across the United States.