Prediction Markets in New York 2026 — What's Available and What's Restricted
New York has the most restrictive stance on prediction market sports contracts. Read this guide before signing up.
Are Prediction Markets Legal in New York?
The answer for New York is more complicated than for other states, and the situation is actively changing.
New York has legal online sports betting and is one of the most aggressive states in opposing prediction markets. The New York Attorney General issued a warning to New Yorkers in 2026 stating that prediction markets "lack consumer protections or NYS Gaming Commission oversight."
Despite this, most CFTC-regulated platforms remain available to New York residents for non-sports categories. Sports event contracts are the specific target of New York's opposition.
What New Yorkers Can Currently Trade
Available in New York (non-sports categories):
- Federal Reserve rate decisions and macroeconomic contracts
- Political election contracts and congressional markets
- Crypto price milestone contracts
- Entertainment and award show contracts
- Climate and science contracts
Sports contracts in New York: Most platforms restrict sports event contracts for NY users due to the AG warning. Kalshi, FanDuel Predicts, and DraftKings Predictions do not currently offer sports contracts to New York residents.
The ORACLE Act: What It Would Mean
New York is advancing two significant bills:
ORACLE Act (A9251): Would prevent prediction markets from offering contracts on "sensitive matters" — including elections, sports, geopolitical conflicts, and natural disasters — without first obtaining a New York state gambling license.
Prediction Market Regulation Act (S8889): Would require operators to obtain a license from the NY Department of Financial Services, subjecting them to financial disclosure, consumer protection standards, AML rules, and audits.
Neither bill has passed as of April 2026.
Best Platforms for New York
- Kalshi — Available for non-sports markets with deepest US liquidity on FOMC and political contracts.
- Robinhood — Available in 49 states excluding Maryland. Non-sports prediction markets available.
- Polymarket US — Available in NY for eligible users. Strong for crypto and political contracts.
Our Recommendation
Focus on macro markets (FOMC, CPI), political markets (midterms, approval ratings), and crypto contracts. Kalshi has the deepest liquidity on all three.
Monitor the ORACLE Act closely. If passed, it would represent the most significant restriction on prediction market activity in the largest US financial market.
Before trading, understand the rules.