Washington State AG Sues Kalshi, Alleging Illegal Betting Offerings

Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown has filed a civil lawsuit against prediction-market platform Kalshi, accusing the company of violating state gambling and consumer-protection laws by offering bets tied to events including sports, elections and wars. The complaint, filed in King County Superior Court, seeks to bar Kalshi from operating in Washington, recover money residents allegedly lost, and levy civil penalties. State officials pointed to prior Kalshi advertising that suggested users could get around local restrictions to wager on NFL games, which the suit describes as evidence of a "knowing" violation. Kalshi said it operates as a federally regulated trading platform and is compliant, denied offering war-related markets, and said it is confident in its legal position. The Washington action adds to a growing list of legal challenges for Kalshi. The company is reportedly involved in more than 20 civil lawsuits and previously faced criminal charges from Arizona prosecutors, in what was described as the first known criminal case aimed at a prediction market. (Geekwire)