# MinnesotaPredictionMarketBanBlocked

A federal judge halted Minnesota's prediction market ban just days before it was set to take effect on August 1. Governor Tim Walz signed the law on May 18, making prediction market operations a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Kalshi, Polymarket, and the CFTC sued the state, arguing the law infringed on CFTC jurisdiction over "swaps". Judge Katherine Menendez ruled the state law likely violates the federal Commodity Exchange Act and granted a preliminary injunction, which will remain in place until a final decision is reached. This is the industry's biggest legal victory to date. If federal preemption is affirmed, similar bans in other states could face challenges.