New York sues Polymarket over gambling claims

• New York officials sued Polymarket, alleging its US prediction market operates as unlicensed gambling.
• The lawsuit seeks fines, forfeiture of gains and restitution for affected users.
• The case targets Polymarket’s access for New Yorkers aged 18 to 20.

New York Attorney General Letitia James and Governor Kathy Hochul have sued Polymarket over alleged illegal gambling operations.

The lawsuit targets QCX LLC, doing business as Polymarket US, which launched in America in December 2025.

“Our gambling laws exist to protect New Yorkers, prevent the potential harms of problem gambling, and ensure funding for educational and public benefit programs,” New York Attorney General Letitia James said in a statement.

New York alleges Polymarket’s prediction markets meet the state’s legal definition of gambling because outcomes remain uncertain.

The lawsuit seeks a court order stopping Polymarket from operating without a New York gambling licence.

Officials also want Polymarket to forfeit alleged illegal gains, repay affected consumers and pay fines.

The state alleges users aged 18 to 20 can access Polymarket despite New York’s 21-year gambling age requirement.

The lawsuit follows New York actions against other prediction and gambling platforms, including Kalshi, Coinbase and Gemini.