Is Kalshi Legal in Texas? Prediction Markets Status (2026)

Yes — prediction markets are available to Texas residents. Kalshi and Polymarket both operate under federal CFTC regulation, open to users 18+. Texas has not moved to block them, though state committees are reviewing the sector and are expected to make recommendations in 2027.

This page covers which prediction markets Texas residents can use, whether Kalshi and Polymarket are legal in the state, the age rules, and where the current legal debate stands. It is general information, not legal advice, and the picture is evolving — see the reviewed date below. For the platform detail, see our full Kalshi review.

Prediction markets available in Texas at a glance

PlatformAvailable in Texas?Regulation
KalshiYes — all 50 states, 18+CFTC Designated Contract Market
PolymarketYes — via QCX (18+)CFTC-regulated (QCX licence)
RobinhoodYesCFTC-regulated event contracts
ProphetXYesCFTC-regulated (DCM/DCO)
Sweepstakes platformsOperate under state sweepstakes lawState sweepstakes rules
Squawka Signal

Model vs Market

Where our model disagrees with the live prediction market on the competitions we cover — the edge is the gap between our probability and the market’s.

Inter MiamiMLS CupSquawka model10%Market27%OVERPRICED · -17pp

Signal rates them shorter than the market: 9.7% vs 26.7% (kalshi+polymarket).

Nashville SCMLS CupSquawka model22%Market9%STRONG VALUE · +13pp

Signal rates them higher than the market: 22.0% vs 9.2% (kalshi+polymarket).

For analysis and entertainment — not financial advice. 21+ where applicable; eligibility varies by US state. See our Kalshi and Polymarket reviews.

Is Kalshi legal in Texas?

Kalshi holds a CFTC Designated Contract Market licence, so it operates in all 50 states including Texas under federal oversight, for users 18+. Texas has not issued a cease-and-desist, but state committees are investigating prediction markets and are expected to report in 2027, so the position could change — the platform is fully operational in the state today. For the full regulatory background, see our guide to whether Kalshi is legit and legal.

Is Polymarket legal in Texas?

Polymarket operates in Texas via its CFTC-licensed QCX exchange, funding in USDC over crypto rails. Texas has taken no action to restrict it as of the reviewed date. See how the two compare in our Kalshi vs Polymarket guide.

What you can trade in Texas

Both major platforms are open to Texas residents. Kalshi is the simpler starting point — all-50-state access and bank-direct funding; Polymarket offers the deepest liquidity if you are comfortable funding in crypto.

Open a prediction-market account in Texas
New-user offers, subject to eligibility:
21+ where required. Prediction markets involve risk of loss. If gambling is becoming a problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Or weigh the whole field in our best prediction markets guide.

Texas prediction markets FAQs

Is Kalshi legal in Texas?

Yes. Kalshi is a CFTC-regulated exchange operating under federal oversight; Texas’s specific position is described above and is evolving, so confirm current availability with the platform.

Can I use Polymarket in Texas?

Polymarket operates in Texas via its CFTC-licensed QCX exchange, funding in USDC over crypto rails. Texas has taken no action to restrict it as of the reviewed date.

How old do you have to be?

CFTC-regulated exchanges such as Kalshi and Polymarket require users to be 18 or over, with identity verification before real-money trading.

Illustrative availability, last reviewed August 2026 — general information, not legal advice. Prediction-market regulation is evolving and varies by state; always confirm eligibility with the platform. 18+/21+ depending on platform and market. Prediction markets involve risk of financial loss. If gambling is becoming a problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.