RI ยท Checked Oct. 21, 2026
Prediction market law in Rhode Island
In litigation
Rhode Island's lawsuit against Kalshi and Polymarket US is consolidated with Kalshi's federal suit; injunction motions argued in August are undecided.
On May 21, 2026, Kalshi sued Rhode Island officials in federal court; hours later, Attorney General Peter Neronha sued Kalshi and Polymarket US in state court, alleging that their sports event contracts are unlicensed gambling. Polymarket US removed the state case to federal court, where it was consolidated with Kalshi's suit before Judge Mary S. McElroy. The CFTC was allowed to intervene on the exchanges' side. Preliminary-injunction motions were argued on August 3, 2026, and remained under advisement as of mid-October. The state reportedly agreed to take no further enforcement action while the motions are pending.
Timeline of state actions
Other development, Kalshi, Polymarket US
Judge McElroy heard the preliminary-injunction motions of Kalshi, Polymarket US and the CFTC and took them under advisement; no ruling had been reported as of October 21, 2026.
Court order, Kalshi, Polymarket US
The court allowed the CFTC to intervene on the exchanges' side.
Court order, Kalshi, Polymarket US
The federal court consolidated the state's enforcement case with Kalshi's suit; Polymarket US then sought its own preliminary injunction.
Source: Public Gaming Research Institute
Other development, Kalshi
The CFTC and DOJ moved to intervene in Kalshi's federal case; Kalshi moved for a preliminary injunction the next day.
Source: DeFi Rate
Other development, Kalshi, Polymarket US
The state told the court it would take no further enforcement action until the pending cases are decided.
Other development, Polymarket US
Polymarket US removed the state's case to the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island.
Operator lawsuit, Kalshi
Kalshi filed a preemptive federal suit (KalshiEX LLC v. Furcolo) against Rhode Island officials in the District of Rhode Island shortly after noon, after the attorney general declined to give assurances that it would not face enforcement.
Source: Rhode Island Current
State lawsuit, Kalshi, Polymarket US
About four hours later, Attorney General Neronha sued Kalshi and Polymarket US in Providence County Superior Court. The suit seeks a declaration that their sports contracts are gambling under state law, a permanent injunction, and restitution and disgorgement.
Source: SBC Americas
Laws and bills
No enacted laws or pending bills specific to prediction markets found.