Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway has issued cease-and-desist orders to six prediction market operators, demanding they stop accepting sports event contracts in the state. Polymarket, Kalshi, Crypto.com, Novig, Underdog and Robinhood have 30 days to confirm compliance with Missouri sports wagering laws or halt operations.
Missouri authorities argue that sports contracts on these platforms constitute wagers and require a Missouri Gaming Commission licence. In 2024 voters approved Amendment 2, legalising sports betting. The regulated market launched 1 December 2025. The GGR tax is 10%, with an online operator licence fee of up to $500,000 for initial issuance and each five-year renewal.
Five of the six companies face accusations of insufficient age controls: Polymarket, Kalshi, Crypto.com, Underdog and Robinhood either permit users under 21 or fail to prevent minors from accessing the service. Novig received no age-related complaint.
The dispute centres on jurisdiction. The platforms cite federal oversight by the CFTC; Hanaway insists the Commodity Exchange Act does not override state gambling laws. "Missourians voted for a safe, regulated betting market. Companies cannot repackage wagers as 'event contracts' to bypass the law," the attorney general said.
Robinhood and Polymarket contest the state's position, pointing to CFTC regulation. Authorities have threatened enforcement action if operators refuse compliance. Operators may continue only after securing a Missouri Gaming Commission licence, paying taxes and fees, and — for five platforms — implementing 21+ age verification.
