Major tech giant Google has officially banned the placement of extensions for prediction markets in its Chrome Web Store. According to updated developer policies, starting August 1, 2026, a complete block will be enforced on all tools that allow real-money transactions based on predictions of various events. This decision creates another significant barrier for platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi, coming at a time when the sector's financial volumes are hitting historic highs.
Why Google is tightening the rules
Google announced the changes on July 1 in its Chrome developer blog. The updated policy includes a direct ban on products related to prediction markets. All extensions that do not comply with these requirements will be removed after the set deadline. The new rules regulate not only event outcome trading. Now, any extensions are only allowed to collect information that is critically necessary to perform one pre-declared function. Moreover, software creators must clearly and openly inform the audience about data collection methods and promptly note any changes to their privacy policy.
Another restriction concerns tools designed to bypass protective mechanisms in AI-powered services. In an official statement, Google explained the measures as necessary to strengthen user trust.
Users should always see the entire process of how their data is handled and be confident that the extension ecosystem is transparent and responsible.
The chosen policy contradicts Google's own decisions. In fall 2025, Google Finance began loading data from Polymarket and Kalshi. Now, the company uses industry figures but simultaneously blocks trading tools.
Rapid growth — new restrictions
The ban targets the sector at its peak activity. According to Dune, by June 22, the total monthly transaction volume reached $291.38 billion.
Despite these figures, regulatory pressure worldwide is only intensifying. In particular, in March, Argentine authorities imposed a full nationwide block on Polymarket, adding to a list of over 30 countries. Simultaneously, Google and Apple quickly removed the platform's official mobile apps for Argentine users.
In the U.S., the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is defending the market in court. This stems from a lawsuit regarding strict measures against prediction markets in Kentucky, followed by similar cases in other states, such as New York and Wisconsin.
Despite this, capital inflow continues. According to media reports, platform Kalshi expects a valuation of $40 billion just months after receiving $1 billion during its Series F round. Meanwhile, an analysis by The Wall Street Journal showed that most Polymarket users lose money — losses are recorded in over 70% of accounts, while 67% of all profits are concentrated in just 0.1% of accounts.
Access to prediction markets remains available: they operate through websites and mobile apps.
Expert opinion: Google's decision is not just a technical limitation but a clear signal to the market. Tech giants are beginning to act as "gatekeepers" for entire DeFi sectors. For Polymarket and Kalshi, this means an urgent need to diversify user acquisition channels, otherwise, trading volume growth could quickly turn into stagnation.