Minnesota Governor Prohibits State Employee Trading on Prediction Markets
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has issued an executive order prohibiting state employees from using insider information to trade on prediction markets. This action follows a federal judge's preliminary injunction that blocked a state law targeting such markets. The ban aims…
Minneapolis St. Paul, MN, July 29, 2026 —
ST. PAUL, MN – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has signed an executive order that bars state employees from utilizing non-public information to engage in trading activities on prediction markets. This directive comes in the wake of a preliminary injunction issued by a federal judge, which previously halted a state law designed to regulate these markets.
The executive order underscores a commitment to maintaining high ethical standards within state government. It explicitly prohibits state employees from leveraging any confidential or insider information they may possess due to their official positions for personal gain on prediction market platforms. Prediction markets are online venues where individuals can wager on the outcomes of future events, ranging from political elections to sporting contests.
The governor’s office stated that any state employee found to be in violation of this new executive order could face disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. The prohibition is intended to safeguard the integrity of state operations and prevent potential conflicts of interest.
The move addresses broader concerns that have been raised regarding the nature and impact of prediction markets. Critics and policymakers have voiced apprehension about the potential for these markets to exacerbate gambling addiction, pose risks to public safety, and even present national security challenges. The executive order aims to preemptively mitigate some of these risks within the state workforce.
While a state law targeting these markets was previously blocked by a federal judge’s preliminary injunction, this executive order provides an immediate measure to enforce ethical conduct among state employees concerning prediction market activities. The specific details regarding the number of employees affected or the timeline for compliance were not immediately provided.
Story summarized from the original created by Joseph Swanson on kstp.com, see more information here.
