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Wisconsin AG Prediction Market Enforcement
Type: State enforcement action
Jurisdiction: Wisconsin
Lead: AG Josh Kaul
Status: Active litigation (federal counter-suit filed)
Overview
Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul filed three civil lawsuits on April 23-24, 2026 targeting five prediction market platforms (Coinbase, Crypto.com, Kalshi, Polymarket, Robinhood) for alleged violations of Wisconsin gambling law. The enforcement action specifically targets sports event contracts that collectively earn over $1 billion annually.
Legal Theory
Wisconsin's enforcement action alleges that sports event contracts on DCM-registered platforms violate state gambling laws. Unlike Arizona's criminal prosecution approach, Wisconsin pursued civil injunction relief.
Federal Response
The CFTC filed a federal lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin on April 28, 2026, seeking declaratory judgment and injunction to block state enforcement. Notably, the CFTC did not file a temporary restraining order (TRO) motion, distinguishing this case from Arizona where criminal charges triggered immediate TRO relief.
Tribal Gaming Context
The Oneida Nation (Wisconsin tribal gaming entity) issued a statement supporting Wisconsin's lawsuit, citing IGRA-protected gaming exclusivity concerns. The Oneida Nation is not a formal co-plaintiff but represents an interested party in the litigation.
Timeline
- 2026-04-23 — Wisconsin AG files first civil lawsuit against prediction market platforms
- 2026-04-24 — Wisconsin AG files two additional civil lawsuits, completing action against 5 platforms
- 2026-04-28 — CFTC files federal counter-suit in Eastern District of Wisconsin (no TRO motion)
- 2026-04-28 — Oneida Nation issues statement supporting Wisconsin's enforcement action