Is Kalshi Sports Betting in Disguise? NJ’s Cease-and-Desist Letter Explained

 On March 27, 2025, the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE) issued cease-and-desist letters to Kalshi and Robinhood, alleging unauthorized sports wagering activities within the state. This action raises questions about the distinction between regulated trading platforms and illegal sports betting operations. Breaking news: New Jersey sends cease and desist letters to Kalshi, Robinhood. […]

Robinhood and Kalshi in Trouble: Why NJ Says It’s Illegal Betting - Friday, March 28th, 2025 1:28

Robinhood and Kalshi in Trouble: Why NJ Says It’s Illegal Betting

Kalshi’s Business Model and Its Similarities to Betfair

Robinhood and Kalshi in Trouble: Why NJ Says It’s Illegal Betting

The Role of Robinhood in Expanding Event-Based Trading

Robinhood’s partnership with Kalshi aimed to broaden its event-based trading offerings, giving users access to markets that mirror sports wagering. This collaboration blurred the lines between financial trading and gambling, drawing regulatory attention.

With Robinhood’s significant user base, the introduction of event contracts on sports outcomes heightened concerns among state regulators, prompting New Jersey’s intervention.

Regulatory Challenges: Trading vs. Sports Betting

Robinhood and Kalshi in Trouble: Why NJ Says It’s Illegal Betting Robinhood and Kalshi in Trouble: Why NJ Says It’s Illegal Betting

Potential Redefinition of Sports Wagering Legal Frameworks

The cease-and-desist letters to Kalshi and Robinhood may prompt a reevaluation of legal frameworks governing event-based trading platforms. Regulators might seek to clarify the boundaries between permissible financial instruments and unauthorized sports betting, potentially leading to new legislation or amendments to existing laws to address emerging platforms that blur these lines.

What Lies Ahead for Robinhood and Kalshi?

Robinhood and Kalshi in Trouble: Why NJ Says It’s Illegal Betting
Jose Del Pozo

Jose is an iGaming analyst with wide experience within the sector. He has been working as content writer on casino and betting websites for more than 10 years, contributing on websites like Pokerlistings, Casinobee, Betpack among others, sharing his insights and perspective for the future ofthe iGaming market.