Key Takeaways
- On June 17, 2026, Kalshi withdrew access for Indian users, pulling back from its expansive October 2025 launch across 140+ nations
- The Online Gaming Act 2025 in India, effective from May 1, categorizes prediction market platforms as unauthorized gambling operations
- Indian officials blocked Polymarket access approximately May 21, with Kalshi’s departure following several weeks after
- A coalition of nine European nations issued a coordinated statement on June 17 aimed at unlicensed prediction market operators
- The platform’s prohibited jurisdiction roster now stands at 55, while multiple European nations enforce ISP-level access restrictions
In a significant reversal of its international growth strategy, Kalshi has terminated service access for users based in India. This withdrawal contradicts the ambitious global expansion the company unveiled merely eight months earlier. The policy shift became official through revisions to the platform’s member agreement published on June 17, 2026.
Through this revision, India joins Kalshi’s expanded roster of prohibited territories, which currently encompasses 55 nations and regions. Individuals residing in, operating from, or incorporated within Indian jurisdiction are now barred from participating in the platform’s event contract marketplace.
This development represents a dramatic departure from the company’s October 2025 announcement, when it revealed intentions to extend services across more than 140 nations, explicitly including India and China among its target markets.
India’s Legislative Crackdown Explained
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act 2025 became operational law in India on May 1. Legal professionals have widely interpreted the legislation’s language to classify prediction market operations within the scope of prohibited internet gambling activities.
The statute establishes severe consequences for violations. Individuals or entities that enable, advertise, or provide financial support for unauthorized online gambling operations face criminal prosecution, potentially resulting in incarceration.
India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology released guidance on April 25 that specifically cautioned VPN service providers and technology intermediaries against assisting users in circumventing platform restrictions, explicitly mentioning Polymarket and comparable services.
Indian regulatory authorities implemented blocking measures against Polymarket around May 21. Kalshi continued operations for several additional weeks before implementing its own withdrawal.
A legal representative for Kalshi stated in mid-May that the organization had initiated communication with Indian governmental authorities and had not received any official cease-and-desist directive at that time. She indicated the company would honor any such order if issued. Subsequently, one arrived.
The regulatory enforcement extended beyond prediction markets. Flutter Entertainment suspended all paid competitive offerings through Junglee, its Indian skill-based gaming division, which had projected approximately $200 million in annual revenue for 2026.
Coordinated European Regulatory Response
Coinciding with Kalshi’s member agreement update, gambling oversight bodies from nine European nations executed a collaborative statement specifically addressing prediction market platforms conducting operations without obtaining proper local authorization.
The June 17 joint declaration included signatures from regulatory authorities in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland. This marks an unprecedented instance of European regulators unifying their approach toward prediction market enforcement.
The timing of this declaration coincided with the FIFA World Cup’s initial days, a timeframe historically associated with elevated wagering volumes.
Authorities highlighted multiple areas of concern, including inadequate identity verification protocols, insufficient age validation measures, limited gambling control mechanisms, exposure to insider information exploitation, and potential negative impacts on younger demographics. France’s gaming regulator specifically emphasized the potentially addictive behavioral patterns these platforms can foster.
The declaration outlined enforcement mechanisms available to regulators, including official cautions, monetary penalties, promotional material restrictions, and internet service provider blocking orders. Spain, France, the Netherlands, and Belgium have already implemented ISP-level blocking for both Polymarket and Kalshi.
Regulators further urged sports governing bodies, professional leagues, and athletic organizations to verify whether any prediction market platform they engage with possesses appropriate local licensing credentials.
Kalshi’s prohibited jurisdiction catalog currently stands at 55 territories, with potential expansion anticipated as European enforcement initiatives progress.
Get 3 Free Stock Ebooks
Discover top-performing stocks in AI, Crypto, and Technology with expert analysis.
- Top 10 AI Stocks - Leading AI companies
- Top 10 Crypto Stocks - Blockchain leaders
- Top 10 Tech Stocks - Tech giants
