New York Sues Coinbase and Gemini, Calls Prediction Markets Gambling

New York regulators have escalated their scrutiny of cryptocurrency-linked prediction markets, targeting two major platforms with a sweeping legal challenge. On April 22, New York Attorney General Letitia James filed lawsuits against Coinbase Financial Markets and Gemini Titan in Manhattan state court.

The complaints argue that both firms operate unlicensed prediction markets that resemble illegal gambling under state law. The action marks a significant step in an intensifying jurisdictional clash between state authorities and federal regulators over the fast-growing sector.

State crackdown on prediction markets

James contends that event-based contracts offered by Coinbase and Gemini qualify as gambling products. These contracts allow users to trade on outcomes tied to sports, elections, and other public events.

However, the state argues that such outcomes fall outside user control and rely heavily on chance. Consequently, regulators insist that these platforms must secure licenses from the New York State Gaming Commission.

Moreover, the lawsuits highlight concerns about age restrictions. New York law sets 21 as the minimum age for mobile sports betting. Yet, both platforms allegedly allowed users aged 18 to 20 to participate.

Additionally, the attorney general seeks financial penalties, including repayment of profits and fines amounting to three times those earnings. The filings also push for stricter marketing rules, especially targeting outreach on college campuses.

Federal versus state authority dispute

The legal action unfolds amid a broader regulatory conflict. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission continues to assert exclusive authority over prediction markets.

Earlier this month, on April 2, the agency sued several states to block their oversight efforts. It argued that prediction markets fall under commodity derivatives regulation.

Four days later, a federal appeals court in Philadelphia sided with Kalshi, reinforcing federal oversight. The ruling limited state-level intervention, particularly in sports-related contracts.

However, New York has not backed down. A separate case filed in October 2025 by Kalshi against the New York State Gaming Commission remains unresolved.

Industry response and future implications

Coinbase has pushed back strongly against the lawsuit. Chief Legal Officer Paul Grewal stated, "Coinbase will continue to fight for the federal oversight of these markets that Congress intended." His remarks signal a broader industry stance favoring unified federal regulation over fragmented state rules.

Meanwhile, Gemini has not issued a public response. Its parent company, Gemini Space Station, continues to expand its offerings nationwide. Both firms launched their prediction markets in mid-December and currently operate across all 50 states.

Significantly, prediction markets gained traction after the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Their real-time probabilities outperformed traditional polling in forecasting Donald Trump’s victory over Kamala Harris. Hence, the sector’s rapid growth has attracted both investor interest and regulatory attention.