Google bans Chrome extensions for prediction markets

Google will prohibit browser extensions that facilitate real-money prediction market trading from its Chrome Web Store starting August 1, 2026. The company announced the policy change as part of a broader update to its Chrome Web Store Developer Program Policies, which also introduces stricter privacy and data disclosure requirements for all extensions.

The revised rules explicitly classify prediction markets as prohibited products, banning extensions that enable or facilitate real-money transactions on predictive outcomes. Developers have until the August deadline to bring their extensions into compliance, after which non-compliant tools risk removal from the store. Google stated the update is intended to strengthen user trust and platform security, ensuring users have full visibility into how their data is handled.

The policy change creates a new distribution hurdle for prediction market platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi, which have relied on browser extensions for functions such as wallet integration. While users can still access these platforms through standard websites and mobile apps, the direct distribution channel via the Chrome Web Store will be closed. The sector...