TLDR Kalshi filed a pre-emptive federal lawsuit against Louisiana officials on Friday. The company wants a court order blocking enforcement against its sports event contracts. Defendants include Governor Jeff Landry and Attorney General Liz Murrill. Kalshi argues federal law, through the CFTC, overrides Louisiana gambling rules. The case is the first prediction markets lawsuit in the Fifth Circuit.
Prediction market company Kalshi has filed a lawsuit against Louisiana officials in federal court. The company wants to stop the state from taking action against its sports event contracts.
The suit was filed on Friday in the US District Court for the Western District of Louisiana. Kalshi says state officials showed a “clear intention to violate the Supremacy Clause” by trying to shut down prediction markets.
The defendants include Attorney General Liz Murrill and Gov. Jeff Landry. Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chair Christopher Hebert, Gaming Division Director Dawn Himel, and the Louisiana State Police Gaming Enforcement Division are also named.
Kalshi is asking for a temporary restraining order, as well as preliminary and permanent injunctions. The case brings prediction markets litigation into the Fifth Circuit for the first time.
Louisiana Warnings and New Gambling Laws
Kalshi pointed to public statements, court filings, and enforcement efforts since late last year. The company said these show officials “will imminently bring an enforcement action” to bar it from offering event contracts.
One exhibit is a December 2025 letter from Hebert to licensed sportsbooks. It warned that offering sports prediction markets breaks state law and could affect their gaming licenses.
“It is the board’s position that such activities constitute sports wagering under Louisiana law,” Hebert wrote. He also noted that state law treats “exchange wagering” as sports wagering.
The complaint also cited House Bills 53 and 883. Gov. Landry signed both in May,