Is Kalshi Legal in Maryland (MD)?
Quick Answer
Yes, today β under active litigation that could change it. Kalshi is available in Maryland as of October 2026 as a CFTC-regulated exchange, and the state is contesting federal pre-emption in court over sports event contracts; no order currently blocks access. Verified October 10, 2026 β source.
Last reviewed: October 10, 2026
Prediction Market Availability in Maryland
| Platform | Available | Markets | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kalshi | Yes | Politics, economics, sports, weather, culture | CFTC-regulated exchange β live statewide, under active litigation over sports event contracts. |
| DraftKings Predict | Yes | Sports and non-sports event contracts | Offered in Maryland, sports contracts included. |
| FanDuel Predicts | Yes | Sports + financial contracts | Sports contracts live in Maryland; financial contracts available nationwide. |
| Polymarket | Yes | Politics, crypto, culture | Two venues: Polymarket US (CFTC-designated, USD-settled, live to US traders since Dec 2025, varies by state) and a separate on-chain international book closed to US persons. |
What This Means for Maryland Traders
Because Kalshi is overseen by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) as a Designated Contract Market, its legality doesn't hinge on whether Maryland has licensed sports wagering. Federal commodity regulation pre-empts the state-by-state patchwork, and Maryland is contesting that pre-emption in court over sports event contracts β access is unchanged unless a ruling says otherwise.
On Kalshi you take a position by buying a contract priced between 1Β’ and 99Β’ β each cent represents one percentage point of implied probability. Contracts settle at $1 if the event happens and $0 if it doesn't, and you can exit early at the live market price. Profits are taxable income; Kalshi issues the relevant tax forms for Maryland residents.
Maryland also has sports-focused event contracts via DraftKings Predict and FanDuel Predicts, but those cover game outcomes only. Kalshi remains the widest regulated market set for politics, economics, and weather contracts. Polymarket's international book is closed to US persons; Polymarket US is a separate, narrower venue.
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Kalshi in Maryland β FAQ
Is Kalshi legal in Maryland?
Yes, today β under active litigation that could change it. Kalshi operates in Maryland as a CFTC-regulated Designated Contract Market under federal commodity law, and the state is contesting that in court over sports event contracts. No order currently blocks access. You must be 18+ and a verified US resident to open an account.
Is Kalshi legal in MD?
Yes, today β under active litigation that could change it. Kalshi operates in Maryland as a CFTC-regulated Designated Contract Market under federal commodity law, and the state is contesting that in court over sports event contracts. No order currently blocks access. You must be 18+ and a verified US resident to open an account.
What prediction markets are available in Maryland?
In Maryland you can access Kalshi, DraftKings Predict, FanDuel Predicts. Kalshi offers the broadest market set β politics, economics, sports, and weather and remains live in Maryland while litigation continues. Polymarket US is a separate CFTC-designated exchange with a narrower slate whose state coverage is still expanding.
Do Maryland residents pay taxes on Kalshi profits?
Yes. Net trading profits are taxable income at the federal level, and Maryland applies its own state income tax rules where they exist. Kalshi issues tax forms (such as a 1099) for reportable activity. This is general information, not tax advice β consult a tax professional for your situation.
How is Kalshi different from sports betting in Maryland?
Kalshi is a federally regulated event-contracts exchange, not a sportsbook. You buy and sell contracts that settle at $1 or $0 based on a real-world outcome, and you can exit a position before the event resolves β there is no house setting the line against you. Sports betting in Maryland is licensed separately at the state level. Always trade responsibly.
Can I use DraftKings Predict in Maryland?
Yes. DraftKings Predictions is offered in Maryland, sports contracts included.
How old do I need to be to trade on Kalshi in Maryland?
You must be 18 or older to open a Kalshi account in Maryland. Kalshi requires KYC identity verification at signup β confirming age, identity, and US residency as part of its federal compliance obligations as a CFTC Designated Contract Market.
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Is Kalshi Legal in Your State?
Platform availability can change. Always verify directly with each platform before opening an account. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice.