Google Blocks Polymarket and Kalshi Transactions... Removes Chrome Extensions for Real-Money Betting

▲ Chrome, prediction market/AI generated image

Google's decision to remove prediction market extensions that support real-money transactions from Chrome has created a new distribution barrier for Polymarket and Kalshi, which have grown significantly with record-breaking transaction volumes.

According to crypto media outlet BeInCrypto on July 9 (local time), Google revised its Chrome Web Store Developer Program Policy to prohibit extensions that facilitate betting real money and trading prediction outcomes. The new policy will be enforced starting August 1, 2026, and extensions that do not comply with the criteria may be removed.

Google added prediction markets to the list of prohibited items under its Regulated Products and Services policy. Data collection by extensions is also restricted to the scope strictly necessary for a single, disclosed purpose, and all data processing practices and subsequent changes must be clearly disclosed to users. Tools designed to circumvent the safeguards of AI services were also included in the prohibition. Google stated, "Users must have full visibility into how their data is processed and confidence that the extension ecosystem operates responsibly."

At the time of strengthened regulations, the transaction volume of prediction markets surged to an all-time high. According to Dune data, the combined monthly notional trading volume reached $291.38 billion on June 22. However, Argentina blocked Polymarket nationwide in March, following over 30 other countries, and Google and Apple removed the Polymarket app for local users.

In the United States, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is defending the industry in a lawsuit regarding Kentucky's crackdown on prediction markets, with similar legal disputes ongoing in New York and Wisconsin. Market capital inflows have continued, with Kalshi reportedly pursuing a $40 billion valuation just months after raising $1 billion in Series F funding. In contrast, a Wall Street Journal analysis showed that over 70% of Polymarket accounts recorded losses, and 0.1% of all accounts accounted for 67% of the total profits.

Google's new policy targets Chrome extensions, while access to prediction market websites and mobile apps will remain. This comes as Google Finance integrated prediction market data from Kalshi and Polymarket starting November 2025, yet has designated trading tools as prohibited on the Chrome Web Store.

[Article Key Summary]

-Google will prohibit Chrome extensions for prediction markets that support real-money transactions starting August 1, 2026.

-The combined monthly notional trading volume for prediction markets reached $291.38 billion as of June 22.

-While Chrome extensions are restricted, access to prediction market websites and mobile apps will remain.

*Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not responsible for investment losses based on its content. The information should be interpreted solely for informational purposes.*