Coinbase Sues State Regulators in Dispute Over Prediction Market Oversight
Highlights:
- Coinbase has sued three states to confirm CFTC control over prediction markets.
- Federal courts are reviewing whether states can block event contracts under existing law.
- Prediction markets are expanding as crypto platforms plan wider access through regulated partners.
Coinbase has filed lawsuits against Michigan, Illinois, and Connecticut over actions tied to prediction markets. The company says state regulators either acted or threatened action against market operators. According to Coinbase, those moves exceed state authority under federal law. Therefore, the exchange asked federal courts to intervene and clarify oversight rules.
Coinbase has argued that prediction markets fall under the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. It noted that Congress already granted the CFTC exclusive authority over these products. As a result, Coinbase claims states lack the power to regulate or block them. Moreover, the filings seek court orders to stop enforcement during the cases.
Coinbase cautioned that any state interference would negatively affect its operation. The company claimed that such actions might lead to loss of business that may not be recovered in the short run. As such, it petitioned the courts to grant declaratory and injunctive relief. Coinbase wants to cushion access to the market as legal review continues.
State authorities have expressed concerns regarding event-based contracts. According to some regulators, these products are similar to gambling activity. Nevertheless, Coinbase has challenged that stance and has emphasized that a federal framework is applicable.
Coinbase Sues States After Kalshi Partnership Sets 2026 Launch Timeline
Coinbase filed the lawsuits one day after announcing a partnership with Kalshi. Kalshi operates as a CFTC-regulated prediction markets platform. Through this deal, Coinbase plans to enter event contract trading. The company said it will open access to US customers in January 2026.
Court filings show Coinbase expects the launch to include Illinois. However, state actions there prompted legal escalation. Coinbase said the lawsuits seek to confirm what it views as settled law. Chief Legal Officer Paul Grewal shared that view in public statements.
Grewal said prediction markets fall squarely under the CFTC. He argued that no state gaming regulator holds authority over them. According to Grewal, state efforts to block these markets conflict with federal law. He added that such actions also slow innovation.
Coinbase also addressed comparisons to sports betting. Grewal said prediction markets operate as neutral exchanges. These platforms match buyers and sellers without setting odds. In contrast, he said sportsbooks profit when customers lose.
Furthermore, Coinbase cited Congress’s definition of commodities. Lawmakers excluded only a narrow list from CFTC oversight. Those exclusions include onions and movie box office receipts. Coinbase said sports-related event contracts remain within the agency’s scope.
Connecticut Actions Add Pressure on Growing Prediction Market Sector
Connecticut has taken recent action against several platforms. Earlier this month, state regulators issued cease-and-desist orders. The notices targeted Kalshi, Robinhood, and Crypto.com. Officials claimed the firms offered unlicensed sports betting products. Kalshi reacted by suing the Connecticut authorities. A federal judge halted state enforcement soon afterwards. The court awarded an interim reprieve in the case as proceedings continue. That ruling contributed to the broader legal argument.
In the meantime, prediction markets have been expanding at an impressive rate in the last year. Exchanges, such as Kalshi and Polymarket, have recorded billions of dollars in trading. Some states are doubting the suitability of such products under the existing laws.
At the same time, more crypto platforms have explored entry into the sector. Gemini and PancakeSwap have rolled out new offerings. Rivals like Coinbase and Crypto.com have also evaluated expansion plans. Consequently, legal clarity has become more urgent for market participants.
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