TLDR Kalshi blocked Indian users on June 17, 2026, reversing its October 2025 expansion into 140+ countries India’s Online Gaming Act 2025, which took effect May 1, treats prediction markets as illegal gambling Polymarket was blocked by Indian authorities around May 21, with Kalshi following weeks later Nine European countries signed a joint declaration on June 17 targeting unlicensed prediction market platforms Kalshi now lists 55 restricted jurisdictions, with European ISP blocking already in place in several countries
Kalshi has quietly blocked users in India from trading on its platform, reversing a major international expansion it announced just eight months ago. The change came through an update to its member agreement dated June 17, 2026.
The update adds India to Kalshi’s list of restricted jurisdictions, which now covers 55 countries and territories. Anyone domiciled, organized, or located in India can no longer access the platform’s event contract trading.
The move marks a sharp turn from October 2025, when Kalshi announced plans to serve users in more than 140 countries, including India and China.
Why India Shut the Door
India’s Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act 2025 came into force on May 1. Legal analysts have broadly concluded that prediction markets fall within its definition of illegal online gambling.
The law carries serious penalties. Anyone who facilitates, promotes, or finances illegal online gambling faces criminal charges, including possible imprisonment.
India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology issued an advisory on April 25. It warned VPN providers and other intermediaries not to help users access blocked platforms, naming Polymarket and similar sites.
Polymarket was blocked by Indian authorities around May 21. Kalshi held on for a few more weeks before following.
Kalshi’s legal counsel had said in mid-May the company had contacted the Indian government and received no