Google to Ban Prediction Market Extensions Amid Increased Scrutiny of Polymarket, Kalshi
Google has announced an update to its Chrome Web Store Developer Program policies, explicitly banning extensions that facilitate real-money transactions on predictive outcomes. The prohibition, set to take effect on August 1, 2026, targets prediction market platforms such as Polymarket and Kalshi, which have come under increased scrutiny from state regulators.
According to Google’s policy update, ‘Extensions that facilitate or enable real money transactions on predictive outcomes are not allowed.’ The tech giant warned that extensions found out of compliance after the enforcement date may face action from the Chrome Web Store.
The move comes amid heightened regulatory pressure on prediction markets. New York Governor Kathy Hochul commented on the state’s case against Kalshi, stating, ‘Gamble with our laws and you’re going to lose. Just ask Kalshi.’ The New York Attorney General previously accused Kalshi of attempting to circumvent state gambling laws. A recent ruling by Judge Torres rejected Kalshi’s preliminary injunction against New York, allowing the state’s lawsuit to proceed on the grounds that New York gambling laws apply to Kalshi’s sports-related event contracts.
Additionally, Spotify has challenged Polymarket and Kalshi over prediction markets tied to artificial streaming manipulation. The music streaming service demanded the platforms remove its logo and clarify that no partnership exists, after Spotify identified and removed over 500,000 artificial streams that had artificially boosted a song’s popularity.
Google’s policy revision signals growing pushback against prediction markets, which regulators increasingly view as unlicensed gambling. The ban on Chrome extensions is part of a broader trend of tech platforms tightening rules around financial and wagering applications.