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A federal judge has barred Kalshi from offering sports-event contracts on the lands of Blue Lake Rancheria and the Chicken Ranch Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians in California. Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley's preliminary injunction covers events including football, basketball, baseball, soccer, tennis and UFC competitions. The tribes must provide boundary maps by Nov. 13, while Kalshi must report on its compliance steps within 21 days.
Why it matters
The tribes sued in July 2025, alleging that the contracts are unauthorized Class III gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and violate tribal ordinances. Kalshi argues that the contracts are federally regulated swaps and that the Commodity Exchange Act gives the Commodity Futures Trading Commission exclusive jurisdiction, preempting tribal gaming law.
Corley initially denied the tribes' request for an injunction in November 2025. A Ninth Circuit panel partially reversed that decision in September, finding the tribes were likely to succeed on their claims and that the CFTC's exclusive jurisdiction did not extend to Kalshi's sports-event contracts.
Sports and gaming attorney Daniel Wallach described the order as the first preliminary injunction obtained by tribes against Kalshi nationwide.
Market impact
The order restricts where Kalshi can offer the affected contracts, rather than imposing a nationwide ban. It adds to legal pressure on the platform: Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin has sued Kalshi over alleged illegal gambling, while Utah has filed criminal charges against the company and two executives over alleged promotion of online gambling. Utah has also sued Kalshi and two Susquehanna trading firms over an alleged illegal gambling business.
Frequently asked questions
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Which tribal lands are covered by the Kalshi injunction?
The order covers the California lands of Blue Lake Rancheria and the Chicken Ranch Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians.
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Which sports-event contracts does the order cover?
It covers contracts tied to football, basketball, baseball, soccer, tennis and UFC competitions.
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What must the tribes and Kalshi do under the order?
The tribes must provide boundary maps by Nov. 13. Kalshi must report on the steps it has taken to comply within 21 days.
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What did the Ninth Circuit decide about the tribes' claims?
A panel found the tribes were likely to succeed on their gaming-law claims and held that the CFTC's exclusive jurisdiction did not extend to Kalshi's sports-event contracts.
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What other legal actions does Kalshi face?
Arkansas has sued Kalshi over alleged illegal gambling. Utah has filed criminal charges against the company and two executives and separately sued Kalshi and two Susquehanna trading firms.
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