for early access to the latest igaming videos!
and get the latest igaming news first!
A Massachusetts Superior Court judge has signaled that Kalshi may have only 30 days to set up geofencing technology to block users in the state from accessing its sports contracts.
The company had asked for 90 days, but Christopher K. Barry‑Smith leaned toward a shorter deadline, saying the injunction must be enforced through technical controls. It comes as part of a broader preliminary injunction process that began with the court’s January 20 ruling barring Kalshi from offering sports wagering in the state without a license.
For Kalshi, this would mean preventing Massachusetts residents from using its prediction market features tied to sports wagering. The judge noted that user notifications should appear only when someone in the state tries to place a bet, rather than through broader marketing restrictions.
Massachusetts continue winning streak against Kalshi
The dispute dates back to September 2025, when Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell accused Kalshi of offering illegal sports without a license. She argued the company was earning more from sports bets than licensed sportsbooks in Massachusetts.
The case was later shifted from federal court to the state level after Judge Richard G. Stearns of the U.S. District Court ruled it should proceed locally, removing a key shield from Kalshi’s federal defense and placing oversight in the hands of Judge Barry‑Smith.
In his preliminary thoughts, Judge Barry‑Smith stated that contracts entered before the injunction will remain valid, but the court drew a line at increasing the size of those positions.
Any attempt to expand an existing wager will be treated as a new bet and blocked. At the same time, selling or settling contracts already in place will still be allowed, since those options existed at the time of purchase. Fees collected when contracts are settled will also remain permissible.
Restrictions on marketing not necessary
The judge noted that Kalshi’s national marketing campaigns do not need to be restricted under the injunction, since the focus is on preventing Massachusetts residents from completing transactions. Account creation and use will not be prohibited, as Kalshi also offers contracts unrelated to sports, which are outside the scope of the case.
Both sides have until February 4, 2026, to submit proposed orders if they cannot agree on terms. On that same date, Kalshi is expected to file its reply on an emergency motion to stay the injunction.
Judge Barry‑Smith indicated it will either issue the final order or hold another hearing shortly after, with a decision on the stay request to follow on the same schedule.
