Google has expanded restrictions on prediction market advertising in the United States by prohibiting such promotions in Ohio, making it only the second state where the company bars ads for event-contract platforms and related products.
The policy change took effect on June 2, 2026, following months of legal and regulatory disputes involving prediction market operators, particularly Kalshi. The update modifies a framework introduced earlier this year that largely allowed prediction market advertising across the country.
Google announced the change in a policy update stating: “In June 2026, Google will update our Prediction markets policy in the United States to prohibit the advertisement of prediction markets contracts and related products ads in Ohio.
Consequently, advertising of prediction markets and related products in Ohio is prohibited effective June 2, 2026.”
Ohio Added to Restricted States List
When Google introduced its prediction market advertising policy in January 2026, Nevada was the only excluded state. The latest revision adds Ohio, leaving those two jurisdictions as the only states where prediction market advertisements are prohibited on Google’s platform.
Google classifies prediction markets as exchange-traded event contracts tied to sports, economic indicators and current events. The company cites the “inherent complexities, speculative nature, and unique regulatory classification involved in trading Prediction Market contracts and related products,” and requires advertisers to be “a licensed Prediction Market provider that holds all applicable local financial, commodity, and/or gaming licenses, including those required as part of Google’s certification process.”
Ohio regulators said they did not request the policy change. Andromeda Morrison, interim executive director of the Ohio Casino Control Commission, said: “The Ohio Casino Control Commission did not solicit any particular action from Google, but applauds Google for its efforts to ensure that marketing targeting Ohioans fully complies with Ohio law.”
Legal Fight Over Prediction Markets
The advertising restriction comes as Ohio continues its dispute with Kalshi, which argues that federal oversight by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) places its operations outside state authority.
Ohio regulators maintain that sports event contracts offered without a state license amount to gambling activity.Federal Chief Judge Sarah Morrison recently denied Kalshi’s request for a preliminary injunction, allowing Ohio to continue enforcement efforts.
Ohio first issued cease-and-desist letters to Kalshi, Robinhood and Crypto.com in April 2025, leading to ongoing litigation involving state regulators and the attorney general’s office.
Penalty Follows Court Decision
Following the ruling, the Ohio Casino Control Commission imposed a $5 million penalty on Kalshi for operating without a gambling license. State authorities maintain that federal regulation does not override Ohio gambling laws.
The dispute forms part of a broader national battle over prediction markets. Kalshi is involved in 18 federal and state lawsuits related to its claims of exclusive federal oversight. Minnesota became the first state to ban prediction markets in May, while the CFTC later sued Rhode Island over enforcement efforts targeting Polymarket.
Kalshi has indicated that it will appeal the Ohio decision, a case that could shape future regulatory treatment of prediction market platforms across the United States.
Source:
“Update to Prediction Markets (June 2026)”, support.google.com. Jun 2, 2026
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