Are Prediction Markets Legal in Maryland? 2026 Guide

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Last updated: June 2026

Prediction markets in Maryland sit under federal regulation by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the CFTC, not the state. As of June 2026, Maryland is one of the states where access is genuinely restricted, whether by a court order, criminal charges or a ban. Read the detail below before assuming you can trade.

Not legal advice. This page is general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Prediction market law is contested and changing month to month. Always check an operator’s own state list before signing up, and consult a qualified lawyer for advice on your situation.

Is Kalshi or Polymarket legal in Maryland?

The current status is Restricted. A federal judge declined to shield Kalshi from Maryland’s enforcement in August 2025, so its position here is contested and Polymarket blocks the state.

Here is how that breaks down by platform. A federal judge declined to shield Kalshi from Maryland’s enforcement, so its position here is genuinely contested. Check the platform directly before assuming access. Polymarket’s US arm does not currently operate in Maryland, taking the cautious route in a contested state.

Why this matters in Maryland

Maryland does not license its own online casinos, so for some residents a federally regulated prediction market is one of the few legal ways to put real money on an outcome at all. That is the practical reason the legal question gets searched so often: for a lot of people in Maryland, this is about access to something they cannot easily get another way.

Whatever the local status, the same federal picture applies underneath. The CFTC regulates these markets nationwide, the platforms hold customer money in segregated accounts, and a bloc of states disputes whether sports event contracts belong to the CFTC or to state gambling law. For the full national map, see our state-by-state legality guide, and for how the oversight works, our CFTC regulation explainer.

Maryland prediction market FAQ

Is Kalshi legal in Maryland?

A federal judge declined to shield Kalshi from Maryland’s enforcement, so its position here is genuinely contested. Check the platform directly before assuming access. The federal-versus-state question behind it is not fully settled, so confirm on Kalshi when you sign up.

Is Polymarket available in Maryland?

Polymarket’s US arm does not currently operate in Maryland, taking the cautious route in a contested state.

Are prediction markets gambling in Maryland?

Federally they are treated as financial contracts, not gambling, which is the basis for CFTC regulation. In practice a sports contract works like a bet. We unpack that in our guide to whether prediction markets are gambling.

Responsible play. Prediction markets are real-money risk, for adults only, 18 and over, or 21 and over where local law requires. If it stops being fun or you are chasing losses, step away. In the US call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET. This page is general information, not legal or financial advice.