Indian government set to block Polymarket, Kalshi to crack down on prediction markets

23-May-2026

.

The Indian government is set to block Kalshi, a US-based prediction market platform, following regulatory changes under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, which now bans real-money online games including skill-based ones. 

Prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket enable betting on events such as elections and sports. Despite restrictions, these platforms remain accessible via VPNs. The Ministry of Electronics and IT has warned VPN providers against enabling access and intends to use legal provisions to enforce blocks, citing concerns about gambling-related harms.