Nevada gaming regulators have secured another courtroom win in their campaign against prediction-market platforms, with a state judge granting a preliminary injunction against Polymarket US.
The Nevada Gaming Control Board announced that Judge Woodbury of the First Judicial District Court approved the agency’s request for a preliminary injunction against QCX LLC, which does business as Polymarket US, on May 29. The board disclosed the ruling in a June 1 enforcement update and said a written order is expected later.
The latest decision follows several months of legal battles between Nevada regulators and the prediction-market operator. Earlier this year, the board obtained a temporary restraining order against Polymarket after arguing that the company was offering event-based contracts in Nevada without the licenses required under state gaming law.
“We are very pleased with Judge Woodbury’s ruling and will continue to vigorously enforce Nevada law to safeguard gaming in our state,” stated Nevada Gaming Control Board Chairman Mike Dreitzer.
Nevada legal challenges continue against Polymarket as injunction granted
Nevada officials view sports-related event contracts and certain other prediction-market products as wagering activity. Under the state’s regulatory framework, businesses offering those products must first obtain the appropriate gaming licenses.
The board said it has expanded enforcement efforts beyond Polymarket and has moved against several operators it believes were conducting business unlawfully in the state. Regulators noted that previous preliminary injunctions already prohibit Kalshi and Coinbase from offering or facilitating sports, election, and entertainment event contracts in Nevada.
According to the board, Kalshi’s activities violate multiple sections of Nevada law, including NRS 463.160, NRS 463.350, NRS 465.086, and NRS 465.092.
Polymarket has attempted to challenge Nevada’s actions in court. The company previously sought relief through federal litigation, arguing that federal law governing prediction markets and commodities regulation should limit Nevada’s authority over its operations. However, a federal appeals court determined that jurisdictional issues prevented the company from obtaining the immediate relief it sought.
The operator also asked Nevada’s appellate court to pause enforcement measures while litigation continued. This was rejected, allowing state regulators to move forward with their case and maintain restrictions on the platform during the proceedings.
In its latest update, the Gaming Control Board said it has now succeeded in blocking all known unlicensed prediction-market operators that had been active in Nevada.
The agency also pointed to Nevada’s long-established public policy on gaming regulation. Lawmakers have repeatedly identified the gaming industry as a vital part of the state’s economy and have required extensive licensing and oversight to protect public health, safety, morals, good order, and the general welfare of residents.
With the preliminary injunction against Polymarket now in place and earlier court orders affecting other platforms remaining active, the board said it will continue pursuing companies it believes are operating outside Nevada’s gaming laws while working to protect the state’s regulated gaming industry.
Featured image: Canva / Polymarket
