Kalshi blocks Washington users as court fight grows

Kalshi has blocked customers in Washington while asking a King County judge to reconsider an injunction restricting its prediction markets. Summary Washington requires Kalshi to block residents from seven event-contract categories under an amended preliminary injunction. Kalshi requested reconsideration after Washington agreed to delay enforcement against federally regulated competitor OG temporarily. September 2 is the scheduled decision date for Kalshi’s reconsideration request without oral argument currently. Michigan and Nevada also restrict Kalshi access while litigation over federal preemption continues nationwide. CFTC Chairman Michael Selig expects new event-contract proposals covering consumer protection and market governance requirements. The Aug. 21 motion argues that Washington gave competing exchange North American Derivatives Exchange, operating as OG, more favorable treatment. Kalshi and OG are both designated contract markets regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Judge John McHale is scheduled to consider Kalshi’s request on Sept. 2 without oral argument. The existing restrictions remain active while that request is pending. Kalshi implemented Washi...