Coinbase is suing Connecticut, Michigan, and Illinois, arguing that state regulators cannot oversee prediction markets that fall under the Commodity Futures Trading Commission's authority. The lawsuits come as Coinbase prepares to launch its own prediction market platform in January 2026 through Kalshi, which is already CFTC-registered. The company claims state actions threaten its operations and violate federal law.

Coinbase is suing regulators in Michigan, Illinois, and Connecticut over their attempts to classify prediction markets as unlicensed gambling. The exchange argues these markets are financial derivatives under federal oversight, which could pave the way for broader access if they win. The lawsuits come amid a shift towards federal regulation, following the appointment of a pro-innovation CFTC chairman.