General information, not financial, investment, legal, tax or betting advice · Prediction markets carry risk of loss · 18+ or the legal age in your region
The Index100
The Index 100/Legality/Massachusetts
Legality

Are prediction markets legal in Massachusetts?

A neutral, dated explainer on prediction market legality in Massachusetts, where non sports event contracts have been available while a state court order restricts sports contracts and the federal preemption question stays unresolved. Information, not legal advice.

Last reviewed 23 June 2026 · Status as of June 2026 · Information, not legal advice

Two layers of rules

Federal authority, state friction.

01
Federal oversight
Some event contracts trade on exchanges overseen by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. A federal appeals posture has generally favored federal authority over these designated markets.
02
State challenges
Several states have challenged operators, especially over sports-event contracts, through cease and desist letters and litigation. This is where most of the live friction sits.
03
Onchain and offshore
Crypto-native and offshore venues operate outside the US framework. Their standing for US persons is unsettled, and we do not treat reachability as legality.
Generally available

US-regulated venues

Kalshi · rated 91/100
Available
Polymarket · rated 86/100
Available
ForecastEx · rated 80/100
Available
Crypto.com · rated 80/100
Available
Robinhood · rated 79/100
Available
Railbird · rated 74/100
Available
Novig · rated 74/100
Available
PredictIt · rated 59/100
Available
Not offered for real money

Offshore and onchain

Futuur · rated 68/100
Not available
Limitless · rated 62/100
Not available
Myriad · rated 60/100
Not available
Drift BET · rated 57/100
Not available
Zeitgeist · rated 54/100
Not available

Availability is indicative and can change, and individual states may restrict specific products such as sports-event contracts. Confirm the current position with the platform and a qualified professional before acting.

FAQ

Massachusetts, in short.

Are prediction markets legal in Massachusetts?

As of June 2026 it depends on the contract. Non sports federally listed event contracts have been available to eligible Massachusetts residents. Sports event contracts have been restricted by a Massachusetts state court at the state's request, while operators argue federal preemption. That sports question is being litigated, so confirm your own position before acting.

Can I trade sports event contracts in Massachusetts?

The position is contested. A Massachusetts state court issued a preliminary injunction restricting sports event contracts for residents without a license, and operators argue the Commodity Futures Trading Commission has exclusive jurisdiction. Because the preemption fight is unresolved, treat sports contracts as restricted and contested and verify the live position.

Who regulates these markets for Massachusetts users?

Federally listed event contracts fall under the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Massachusetts sports wagering and gambling matters fall under the Attorney General and the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. The two frameworks are in tension over sports contracts, and that is what is being litigated.

Are non sports contracts affected by the state order?

As of June 2026 the Massachusetts action focused on sports event contracts. Non sports federally listed event contracts have remained available to eligible residents, though the broader preemption ruling could affect the wider picture, so treat this as a dated snapshot.

Is offshore access legal from Massachusetts?

The position on platforms that operate without United States registration is contested and carries added risk around funds and recourse. We mark it as higher risk rather than giving a definitive answer, and we do not link to such venues.