Google bans prediction market extensions from Chrome Web Store

Google is banning all Chrome extensions related to prediction markets as of 1 August 2026. The tech company is updating its Chrome Web Store Developer Program Policies and will now classify such extensions as prohibited products. This effectively excludes platforms such as Polymarket and Kalshi from the popular browser extensions of Google Chrome.

What exactly changes?

According to the official policy update, Google is adding prediction markets to the category of “Regulated Goods and Services”. Concretely, this means that extensions that enable real transactions based on outcome predictions are no longer permitted in the Chrome Web Store. The wording is broad: extensions that indirectly facilitate or support such trading are also covered by the ban.

Alongside the prediction market ban, Google is also introducing stricter rules around privacy and data collection. From now on, extensions may only collect data that is strictly necessary for the declared purpose of the extension. Data collection for other purposes is no longer allowed. Developers are also required to actively inform users if their data policy changes after installation. Finally, Google is introducing a new policy that bans extensions specifically designed to bypass the security measures of AI services.

Impact on the prediction market sector

The timing of this decision is notable. The prediction market sector is experiencing strong growth: trading volume in Q2 2026 reached a record high of $108.7 billion. Just as the market is growing so rapidly, one of the world’s largest tech companies is drawing a clear line.

For developers of prediction market extensions, the message is clear: by 1 August 2026 they must remove their products from the Chrome Web Store or adapt them so that they no longer facilitate real-money transactions. Google is thus sending a clear signal that it considers the sector too risky to offer through its platform. Whether other browser manufacturers will follow this policy remains to be seen.