NC ยท Checked Oct. 21, 2026
Prediction market law in North Carolina
Law enacted
North Carolina's 2026 budget law taxes prediction markets at 6% from 2027 and recognizes the CFTC's authority over them; no enforcement or lawsuit was found.
Gov. Josh Stein signed the state budget (Senate Bill 257) on July 7, 2026. It imposes a 6% tax on prediction market operators' net trading-fee revenue from North Carolina residents starting Jan. 1, 2027, describes CFTC registration as allowing exchanges such as Kalshi and Polymarket to operate in the state, and does not require a state license. No enforcement action or lawsuit was found. The attorney general nonetheless joined the Ohio-led multistate amicus brief filed Oct. 7, 2026 supporting New Jersey's Supreme Court petition. North Carolina is in the Fourth Circuit, where the Maryland appeal (KalshiEX v. Martin) is pending.
Timeline of state actions
Other development, Kalshi
North Carolina's attorney general signed an Ohio-led amicus brief, joined by 38 other states and DC, asking the U.S. Supreme Court to grant New Jersey's petition in Flaherty v. KalshiEX (No. 26-299).
Source: Ohio et al. amicus brief, U.S. Supreme Court No. 26-299
Legislation
Gov. Stein signed the budget, which taxes prediction market operators at 6% starting Jan. 1, 2027 and treats CFTC-registered exchanges as able to operate without a state license.
Source: Covers
Other development
North Carolina gaming authorities told EGR they were keeping watch on prediction markets offering sports event contracts; no action was described.
Source: EGR North America
Laws and bills
SB 257 (2025-2026 budget)EnactedJuly 7, 2026
State budget act: prediction market tax and CFTC recognition
Imposes a 6% tax on prediction market operators' net trading-fee revenue attributable to North Carolina residents, effective Jan. 1, 2027, and states that CFTC registration lets prediction markets operate in the state without a state license.
Source: theblock.co
Court cases
No court cases involving North Carolina found.