Kalshi sues Louisiana officials over state gambling laws
Summary
Kalshi, a global prediction market, filed a federal lawsuit on Friday, October 23, against Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, Gov. Jeff Landry, and state gaming regulators in the Western District of Louisiana. The company allows users to bet on sports scores, but Louisiana claims Kalshi needs a state gambling license, while Kalshi argues its federal license suffices. The case hinges on whether federal law preempts state licensing authority. New state laws effective in August impose penalties of up to $100,000 and five years in prison per wager on illegal gambling, and allow website takedowns and frozen bank accounts. According to Baton Rouge attorney Franz Borghardt, users may not be doing anything wrong, but the company could be violating the law if unlicensed. A quick decision is expected on whether Kalshi can continue operating, but the broader legal fight, potentially reaching the U.S. Supreme Court, is expected to take longer.
(Source:Wafb 9)