Google is tightening its rules for Chrome extensions, announcing that it will soon ban browser add-ons that allow users to participate in real-money prediction markets. The policy update comes as platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket continue to face increasing legal scrutiny across the United States.
The new restrictions are scheduled to take effect on August 1, 2026, giving developers a limited window to bring their Chrome extensions into compliance.
Google updates Chrome Web Store policies
According to Google’s latest Developer Program Policy update, Chrome extensions that facilitate or enable real-money transactions based on predictive outcomes will no longer be allowed on the Chrome Web Store.
Developers have until August 1, 2026, to comply with the new rules. After that date, Google may remove extensions that violate the updated policy.
Although Google did not mention any specific company by name, the revised language directly targets products that let users place or manage bets on future events through browser extensions.
Prediction markets face growing regulatory attention
Google’s decision arrives as prediction market platforms continue to attract legal and regulatory scrutiny in the United States.
Companies such as Kalshi and Polymarket have increasingly found themselves under the spotlight over event-based contracts, particularly those related to sports outcomes. Regulators in several states argue that some of these products resemble gambling services rather than financial instruments.
The Chrome policy update reflects broader concerns surrounding the rapidly growing prediction market industry.
Spotify controversy added to the spotlight
Prediction markets also attracted attention following a dispute involving Spotify.
The music streaming company challenged both Polymarket and Kalshi after discovering its branding had been used in prediction market listings despite having no official partnership with either platform.
Spotify also revealed that more than 500,000 artificial music streams linked to Malcolm Todd’s song Earrings had been removed from its platform. Kalshi later settled a prediction market connected to those manipulated streaming figures, bringing additional attention to the sector.
Kalshi’s legal battle in New York continues
Kalshi is also facing mounting legal pressure in New York.
The company’s attempt to block a lawsuit filed by the state was unsuccessful after Judge Analisa Torres denied its request for a preliminary injunction.
The ruling allows New York’s case to move forward, with state officials arguing that Kalshi’s sports-related event contracts fall under existing gambling laws.
Following the decision, Governor Kathy Hochul stated:
“Gamble with our laws and you’re going to lose. Just ask Kalshi.”
State authorities have maintained that prediction markets offering sports contracts require proper authorization to operate legally within New York.
Regulatory pressure extends beyond Kalshi
The legal scrutiny is not limited to Kalshi alone.
New York has also launched legal action against Coinbase and Gemini, alleging that certain prediction market offerings function as unlicensed gambling businesses under state law.
These cases highlight the growing debate over how event-based financial contracts should be regulated and whether they fall under securities, commodities, or gambling laws.
Developers have limited time to comply
Google has not directly connected its Chrome policy changes to any specific lawsuit or enforcement action.
However, the timing closely aligns with the increasing regulatory pressure facing prediction market operators across the United States.
Developers now have less than a month to ensure their Chrome extensions comply with Google’s updated policies before enforcement begins on August 1.
The decision marks another significant challenge for the prediction market industry, which continues to expand while navigating an increasingly complex regulatory landscape.
