SEATTLE, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – You have probably seen and heard the ads for one of those new online “prediction markets.” It now appears some of those ads show one company is not playing by “house rules” here in Washington state.
Attorney General Nick Brown announced on Tuesday, July 21 that the state won a preliminary injunction against Kalshi. A King County Superior Court Judge ruled on Monday, July 20 that the company likely violated both the Washington Gambling Act and the Consumer Protection Act.
Brown claims Kalshi is an online platform that allows users to bet on sports and pretty much everything else.
“This victory is the first step toward holding Kalshi accountable for their brazen violations of Washington law,” said AG Nick Brown. “Kalshi padded their pockets as they promoted illegal betting on sports, elections, the total number of measles cases this year, what will witnesses say during a child trafficking hearing, and even natural disasters.”
Kalshi calls their service a “prediction market,” but they have produced ads that appear to use texts from customers bragging about skirting Washington’s online gambling laws.
The Court will issue a final order barring Kalshi from violating state law on August 5, allowing the AG’s Office time to work out a deal with the company.
In 2006, the state Legislature amended the 1973 Gambling Act to make it clear that internet gambling is prohibited in Washington.
