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States / Arizona

Legal status · as of Oct 15, 2026

Are prediction markets legal in Arizona?

In court

Arizona treats sports and election event contracts as illegal gambling, and its attorney general filed the first criminal case against a prediction market. In the CFTC's suit, a federal judge has preliminarily enjoined that prosecution.

State actions

Regulator orders, lawsuits, rulings and laws, newest first.

DateActionWhat happenedSources
May 5, 2026OtherJudge Michael Liburdi grants preliminary injunction on preemption grounds. (Kalshi)Arizona Mirror
Apr 10, 2026OtherFederal court issues TRO blocking Arizona's criminal proceedings. (Kalshi)CFTC Release 9211-26 primary
Apr 2, 2026LawsuitCFTC, with DOJ, sues Arizona over preempted enforcement.CFTC Release 9206-26 primary
Mar 17, 2026LawsuitAG Kris Mayes files 20 misdemeanor counts against Kalshi (unlicensed wagering; election betting). (Kalshi)Arizona Mirror · CoinDesk
May 22, 2025Cease and desistArizona Department of Gaming sends cease-and-desist letters. (Kalshi, Crypto.com)SBC Americas

Cases involving Arizona

Select a case for its full history and sources, or see the legal tracker.

CaseStatusLast actionSources
CFTC & Kalshi v. Arizona
U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona; U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit		Injunction for CFTC blocks Arizona enforcement; state seeks to dissolveSep 14, 2026
Arizona moved to vacate/dissolve the preliminary injunction in light of Assad.		D. Ariz. docket (Justia) primary · D. Ariz. order denying Kalshi PI (Justia, Doc. 51) primary · Ninth Circuit docket No. 26-4281 (Justia) primary · CFTC press release 9206-26 (suits vs. AZ, CT, IL) primary · CFTC press release 9208-26 (Arizona TRO motion) primary · CFTC press release 9211-26 (Arizona TRO) primary · Cert petition (PDF), No. 26-299 primary · News: Gambling Insider (Arizona PI) · News: Arizona Mirror (Mayes seeks to revive case)
Arizona criminal case v. Kalshi
Maricopa County Superior Court, Arizona (per secondary reporting)		Halted by federal injunctionMay 5, 2026
Federal preliminary injunction barred Arizona from pursuing the prosecution.		Arizona AG press release (charges) primary · CFTC press release 9211-26 (Arizona TRO) primary · News: Arizona Mirror (charges filed) · News: Arizona Mirror (Mayes seeks to revive case)

Prediction markets in Arizona: questions

Are prediction markets legal in Arizona?

In court. Arizona treats sports and election event contracts as illegal gambling, and its attorney general filed the first criminal case against a prediction market. In the CFTC's suit, a federal judge has preliminarily enjoined that prosecution. Exchanges registered with the CFTC, including Kalshi, say federal law lets them offer event contracts in every state; that question is being fought in court. This summarizes public actions and is not legal advice.

What is the latest prediction market action in Arizona?

May 5, 2026: Judge Michael Liburdi grants preliminary injunction on preemption grounds.

Is there a lawsuit over prediction markets in Arizona?

Yes. CFTC & Kalshi v. Arizona (U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona; U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit): Injunction for CFTC blocks Arizona enforcement; state seeks to dissolve. Arizona criminal case v. Kalshi (Maricopa County Superior Court, Arizona (per secondary reporting)): Halted by federal injunction.

This page reports court, regulator and legislative actions with links to the filings and coverage. It is not legal advice. The tracker is re-checked every Monday and Thursday. All states · Legal tracker