A packed week of hearings, bills, and industry debate puts prediction markets and sweepstakes casinos in focus.
This week could be significant for prediction market litigation, with key hearings scheduled in Nevada and Arizona. Prediction markets will also take center stage at a major tribal gaming conference, while key sweepstakes legislation could advance.
Below are the key gambling stories to watch.
Prediction Markets: Court Showdowns Intensify
Kalshi Faces Dual April 3 Hearings in Nevada and Arizona
Two separate April 3 hearings could significantly impact the prediction market sector this week.
In Nevada, Kalshi’s temporary restraining order (TRO) expires, and a hearing is set on the state’s request for a permanent injunction. If the court grants that request, Nevada would become the first state to explicitly and indefinitely ban Kalshi’s sports, entertainment, and election contracts.
Meanwhile, a federal judge in Arizona will hear arguments on both Kalshi’s motion for a preliminary injunction and whether the federal court should intervene or defer under Younger abstention amid the state’s ongoing criminal proceedings against Kalshi.
What to watch:
- Whether Nevada secures a permanent injunction.
- Whether the Arizona court applies Younger abstention or rules in favor of Kalshi.
- Any judicial commentary clarifying whether event contracts fall under federal commodities jurisdiction or state gambling law
Additional Litigation Rulings Possible
Beyond the April 3 hearings, multiple legal fronts could move this week.
Shortly after Washington filed a lawsuit against Kalshi, the prediction market operator moved the case to federal court. The case will be closely watched to see whether the federal court remands it to the state court, as in the Nevada case.
Meanwhile, Coinbase is widely expected to appeal the preliminary injunction issued in the Nevada state court last week.
What to watch:
- Whether the Washington case remains in federal court or is sent back to state jurisdiction.
- Timing and framing of Coinbase’s appeal, particularly around federal preemption arguments.
Legislative: Deadlines and Sweeps Pressure
Governor Decisions Loom in Maine and Wisconsin
Two states could see major policy decisions finalized at the executive level.
In Wisconsin, AB 601, which would legalize online sports betting through a tribal hub-and-spoke model, awaits the governor’s decision. The bill was enrolled in the legislature on March 25, and the governor had six days (excluding Sunday) to act on it. Gov. Tony Evers has expressed hesitation, citing uncertainty about whether all tribes support the measure.
In Maine, a sweepstakes ban bill is awaiting action from Governor Janet Mills, who has 10 days to sign or veto the measure. Mills has not indicated whether she plans to sign or veto the bill.
What to watch:
- Whether Maine becomes the second state in 2026 to ban sweepstakes casinos
- Whether Wisconsin expands its sports betting framework
Louisiana Racketeering Bill Heads to House Floor
In Louisiana, HB 53, a racketeering bill, is scheduled for House floor debate on March 30.
The bill expands the state’s racketeering statutes to include “Gambling by computer” and “Gambling by electronic sweepstakes device” as offenses, which could directly affect sweepstakes casinos.
What to watch:
Whether the bill passes in the House and in what form
Maryland Senate to Take up Sweepstakes Ban Bills
Last week, the Maryland House passed two bills targeting sweepstakes casinos, HB 295 and HB 1226.
HB 1226, an enforcement bill that gives regulators expanded authority, is scheduled for a March 31 hearing before the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee. The committee will also discuss HB 295, which creates a new criminal prohibition on “interactive games,” on April 1.
What to watch:
- Testimony from regulators and stakeholders.
- Whether lawmakers consolidate around one bill or advance both.
- Any amendments refining the definition of “interactive games.”
Tennessee Bills Face Uncertain Scheduling
In Tennessee, two House bills targeting sweepstakes casinos and prediction markets are scheduled for a hearing this week, but have already seen repeated delays.
HB 1885, which would prohibit “online sweepstakes games,” is scheduled for a March 31 hearing. The measure has already advanced from a subcommittee but has been rescheduled multiple times. Its companion bill, SB 2136, passed in the Senate at the beginning of March and awaits scheduling in the House.
Meanwhile, HB 2079, which would make it a felony to influence the outcome of an event while holding a position in a related prediction market, is scheduled for a hearing on April 1. The measure has also faced repeated delays, despite advancing from a subcommittee earlier in March. Its Senate companion bill also advanced from a committee last week.
What to watch:
- Whether either bill is heard or deferred again
- Signs of shifting political support or opposition
- Alignment between House and Senate companions
Iowa and Minnesota Could Advance Sweepstakes Legislation
The Iowa Senate was among the first chambers this year to pass a sweepstakes-related bill in February. SF 2289 is an enforcement bill that enables regulators to target unlicensed operators, such as sweepstakes casinos.
The measure has stalled in the House, but that could change this week as it has been assigned to a House Ways and Means subcommittee. The Ways and Means Committee meets on April 1, so it could take up the bill.
Meanwhile, in Minnesota, SF 4474 has quickly cleared two committees last week and could see further movement this week. The bill now sits in the Senate Committee on State Local Government, which has not yet scheduled a hearing, though that could change.
What to watch:
- Whether either bill receives a hearing this week or gets a meeting scheduled in the future.
- If heard, introduction of amendments and potential advancement.
Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention
The Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention in San Diego runs from March 30 to April 2, bringing together tribal leaders, regulators, and industry stakeholders. Notably, the agenda includes seven panels focused on prediction markets, signaling growing concern—and interest—in their impact on tribal gaming.
What to watch:
- How tribal operators frame prediction markets: competitive threat vs. regulatory gap
- Emerging policy narratives that could influence future legislation
The post Prediction Market Hearings, Sweeps Bills Lead Gambling Stories to Watch This Week appeared first on Gambling Insider.
