Ohio is a state where Kalshi has lost and is still trading. The Ohio Casino Control Commission fined Kalshi $5 million; on March 9, 2026 a federal judge ruled that Kalshi's products are gambling within state jurisdiction and upheld the fine; Kalshi appealed to the Sixth Circuit, where the CFTC filed a brief on its side. As of October 15, 2026, Kalshi's sports boards remain available in Ohio pending the appeal, Polymarket's sports markets are reported restricted, and Novig operates.
What's available
| Platform | Status in Ohio | Age |
|---|---|---|
| Kalshi | All markets; sports still offered pending appeal | 18 |
| Polymarket US | Sports restricted (reported); other markets available | 18 |
| Novig | Available | 21 |
| Licensed sportsbooks | Available since 2023 | 21 |
The legal picture
Ohio's regulator went the administrative route: a fine for unlicensed sports wagering, which Kalshi challenged in federal court on pre-emption grounds and lost. The March 2026 ruling is one of the clearest statements by a federal judge that state gambling law reaches these contracts. The Sixth Circuit appeal is the next step; Tennessee's appeal in the same circuit raises overlapping questions, so a decision there could land on both states at once.
What to do
- Sports contracts are available on Kalshi today; a Sixth Circuit ruling against Kalshi would likely mean geofencing.
- Non-sports markets are unaffected.
Sources: S.D. Ohio ruling (Mar 9, 2026); Sixth Circuit docket; CBS Sports and OddsShopper (Oct 2026).