Google is moving to block real-money prediction market activity from the Chrome Web Store as legal pressure grows around event contracts tied to sports, elections, and other real-world outcomes.
Alphabet’s Google updated its Chrome Web Store Developer Program Policies to prohibit extensions that “facilitate or enable real money transactions on predictive outcomes.” The new rule takes effect on Aug. 1, 2026, and non-compliant extensions may face removal from the marketplace.
At press time, the Alphabet Class A stock was trading lower after the update, falling 1.92% to about $359.95. According to CoinCodex, GOOGL moved below the $362 area after losing momentum, with traders watching the $358 support level.
Google Tightens Chrome Web Store Rules
Google said the policy update will apply to extensions linked to real-money prediction market transactions. The company did not name Kalshi, Polymarket, or any other platform in the policy notice.
The new rule adds prediction market extensions to Google’s list of prohibited products. Developers have until Aug. 1 to comply before Chrome Web Store enforcement begins.
Google also updated rules on user data collection and disclosure. Extensions must collect only data that is strictly needed for their stated purpose, and developers must clearly disclose what data they collect and how they handle changes.
The company also barred extensions that try to bypass AI safety systems or platform restrictions. Google said the changes are meant to improve user trust, increase transparency, and keep the Chrome extension market secure.
Prediction Markets Face Legal Pressure
The Chrome policy change comes as prediction market platforms face more legal and regulatory scrutiny in the United States. The pressure has centered on whether some event contracts should be treated as financial products, gambling products, or both.
Kalshi has faced legal action in New York over sports-related event contracts. Judge Analisa Torres denied Kalshi’s request for a preliminary injunction, allowing New York’s case against the company to continue.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul said, “Gamble with our laws and you’re going to lose. Just ask Kalshi.” Her statement followed the state’s argument that some sports event contracts may fall under gambling rules when offered without state authorization.
Kalshi has disputed state efforts to restrict its federally regulated prediction market business. The New York case remains active, and the court ruling did not settle the full legal dispute.
Polymarket and Other Platforms Remain Under Watch
Prediction markets have also drawn attention beyond sports contracts. Spotify recently challenged Polymarket and Kalshi after its branding was used in connection with prediction markets, despite no partnership with the companies.
Spotify also said it removed more than 500,000 artificial streams tied to Malcolm Todd’s song “Earrings.” Kalshi later settled a prediction market linked to those streaming figures, which brought more attention to event contracts based on platform data.
New York has also filed actions against Coinbase and Gemini, alleging that prediction market offerings can operate as unlicensed gambling businesses under state law. The companies have not been named in Google’s Chrome policy update.
Google’s rule does not ban prediction markets directly; however, it targets Chrome extensions that enable real-money transactions on predictive outcomes through the Chrome Web Store.
