Yes, with a fight running in the background. The Illinois Gaming Board sent cease-and-desist letters over sports contracts, and Illinois is one of three states (with Arizona and Connecticut) the CFTC sued to defend federal jurisdiction. Kalshi's sports boards remain live in Illinois; Polymarket's sports markets are reported restricted; Novig operates. Status as of October 15, 2026.
What's available
| Platform | Status in Illinois | Age |
|---|---|---|
| Kalshi | All markets including sports | 18 |
| Polymarket US | Sports restricted (reported); other markets available | 18 |
| Novig | Available | 21 |
| Licensed sportsbooks | Available since 2020 | 21 |
The legal picture
Illinois has a mature online sportsbook market taxed on a sliding scale that reaches 40%, and a per-wager tax added in 2025. Prediction markets offering the same games at 18+ and untaxed by the state are an obvious target. The state's letters were met by the federal government going on offence: the CFTC's suit against Illinois, Arizona and Connecticut argues the Commodity Exchange Act pre-empts state enforcement. An appeal to the Supreme Court is widely expected whichever way it goes.
What to do
- Trade on Kalshi or Novig today; watch for any order affecting sports.
- Non-sports markets are not at issue anywhere in the Illinois dispute.
Sources: Illinois Gaming Board letters; CFTC complaint; CBS Sports (Oct 13, 2026).