Google Sets Aug. 1 Ban on Chrome Extensions for Real-Money Prediction Markets

According to its updated Chrome Web Store Developer Program Policies, Google will prohibit extensions that facilitate real-money transactions on predictive outcomes, effective Aug. 1, 2026. Non-compliant extensions may face removal from the marketplace. The policy targets prediction market platforms but does not name specific companies such as Kalshi or Polymarket.

Alphabet's GOOGL stock fell 1.92% to about $359.95 at press time following the announcement, with traders monitoring the $358 support level. The move comes amid escalating legal scrutiny of prediction market platforms in the United States, particularly regarding whether event contracts should be classified as financial or gambling products.