Google will remove all prediction market extensions from the Chrome Web Store under updated developer policies that take full effect on August 1, 2026. The new rules explicitly prohibit extensions that “facilitate or enable real money transactions on predictive outcomes,” placing such tools in the same prohibited category as other regulated goods and services.
The enforcement deadline gives developers less than a month to comply. Extensions that remain noncompliant after that date risk removal or other enforcement actions. Google framed the move as part of a broader trust and safety update aimed at platform integrity.
The policy revision comes as prediction market platforms face mounting legal and regulatory pressure in the United States. Kalshi and Polymarket have both drawn scrutiny from state regulators, particularly over sports-related event contracts. On July 8, a New York court denied Kalshi’s request to block the state’s lawsuit, allowing the case to proceed. Governor Kathy Hochul responded bluntly: “Gamble with our laws and you’re going to lose. Just ask Kalshi.” The state argues that its gambling laws apply to sports-based prediction contracts, and the court agreed that the case can move forward.
Outside the courtroom, Spotify also took action against both platforms after discovering its branding had been used without permission in connection with prediction markets. Kalshi later settled a contract tied to allegedly manipulated streaming numbers, adding further fuel to the regulatory fire.
Google’s new Chrome rules go beyond prediction markets. The company also tightened data collection rules under its Limited Use Policy: extensions may only collect data strictly necessary for their single, disclosed purpose, and developers must clearly inform users of all data handling — including any changes after installation. Another provision blocks extensions designed to bypass AI safety guardrails or usage limits.
For the crypto-native prediction market sector, the ban marks a significant channel restriction. While platforms remain accessible via the web, the loss of official Chrome extensions could curb casual user onboarding and intensify the regulatory headwinds already hitting real-money event contracts.
