Kalshi CEO Responds After Company Hit With Criminal Gambling Charges 

The prediction‑market startup hits back at Arizona, claiming political motivation

BY MOSES JEANFRANCOIS, NEWS WRITER @MOSESJEANS

Illustration: Inc; Photo: Getty Images

After facing criminal charges by the Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, Kalshi is pushing back, arguing the accusations are baseless and stem from a possible political nature. 

“I believe in the rule of law,” said Kalshi CEO Tarek Mansour on X after its filing.  

Kalshi, a prediction trading market, is facing allegations that argue the company is an unlicensed gambling operation. Filed on March 17, this case marks the first criminal charge against Kalshi brought by any state. 

“No company gets to decide for itself which laws to follow,” said Attorney General Mayes. 

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In an exclusive interview with Bloomberg on March 18, Mansour responded to the charges, stating, “These charges have nothing to do with gambling or the merits.” He emphasized that Kalshi operates under federal oversight. The CEO continued saying that he will abide by the rule of law and the future court decision after describing the situation as unfortunate.  

“Filing these charges is a total overstep and an overreach from an AG that’s up for reelection.” 

These charges follow a recent suit Kalshi filed against the state of Arizona on March 12, seeking to preemptively block enforcement actions from the state.  

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