Prediction market platform Kalshi has added India to its list of restricted jurisdictions, bringing the total number of countries where users cannot access the service to 55. The move comes after Indian authorities warned VPN providers to stop helping users bypass restrictions on platforms like Kalshi.
Why India was added
Indian regulators have been tightening the screws on unlicensed betting and prediction platforms. Earlier this year, officials issued warnings to VPN services, telling them to cut off access to sites that operate without local approval. Kalshi, which allows users to trade on event outcomes, was among those targeted. The company's decision to formally block Indian users appears to be a direct response to that pressure.
Expanding the restricted list
Kalshi's restricted jurisdictions list has grown steadily. With India now included, it covers 55 countries. The company does not provide a public breakdown of which countries are on the list or why each was added, but the pattern suggests a focus on markets where regulators have taken a hard line against unlicensed gambling or financial instruments.
What this means for users
Indian users who had accounts on Kalshi will no longer be able to trade. The platform's terms of service already prohibited access from restricted jurisdictions, but enforcement has become stricter. Those who attempt to use VPNs or other methods to bypass the ban risk having their accounts suspended and funds frozen.
The warning from Indian authorities to VPN providers signals that the government is serious about cutting off workarounds. For Kalshi, the addition of India is a compliance step that may help avoid legal trouble, but it also means losing a potentially large user base.
Kalshi has not said whether it will seek regulatory approval in India or other restricted countries. The company's focus remains on operating within U.S. law, where it is regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
