Kalshi has blocked users in India after the country’s online gaming rules took effect and authorities moved against prediction market platforms. Users located in India can no longer trade event contracts through the US-based platform.
The change appeared in Kalshi’s updated member agreement dated June 17. India is now listed among jurisdictions where users are barred from trading event contracts.
India joins restricted list
Kalshi’s rules apply to users who are domiciled in, organised in or located in India. The restriction covers markets tied to sports, politics, entertainment and other real-world outcomes.
The company’s agreement does not automatically ban all account access for users in restricted jurisdictions. However, Indian users cannot place event-contract trades under Kalshi policy and local law.
India joins a list of countries where Kalshi limits event-contract trading. The platform has also restricted users in markets including the United Kingdom, France, Canada, Australia and Singapore.
Gaming law takes effect
India’s Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 came into force on May 1, 2026. The law bans online money gaming and treats prediction markets as banned products.
The framework also covers advertisements and financial transactions linked to online money gaming services. Esports and social games can continue under a separate structure if they do not involve monetary stakes. The law gave Indian authorities a clearer basis to act against betting and prediction platforms. It also increased pressure on foreign operators accepting registrations and trading from users in the country.
Access problems began in May
Kalshi’s website became inaccessible through several Indian internet service providers in the final week of May. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology warned users against accessing blocked prediction market and online betting services.
Polymarket was also targeted during the action against illegal online gaming. Indian authorities classified both platforms as illegal online money gaming services under the new rules. The action moved beyond website blocks. In April, MeitY warned virtual private network providers against helping users bypass restrictions on blocked gambling and prediction platforms.
Rules affect payments and ads
India’s law also targets payment services and advertising connected to banned online money gaming products. Banks, payment firms, internet providers and digital platforms may face pressure to stop services linked to prohibited operators.
Kalshi remains regulated in the United States as a designated contract market under Commodity Futures Trading Commission oversight. That status does not allow the company to offer event contracts in markets where local rules prohibit them.
