If you want the quick answer, Kalshi is hands down the top choice among the best US prediction market app. It is a fully regulated US exchange that gives you the ultimate flexibility to fund your account using either regular cash or cryptocurrency. No matter which method you choose for your deposits, all of your actual trades are made in familiar, easy-to-understand US dollars.
The best prediction market apps combine federal regulation with high trading volume, low fees, and a wide range of sports and political markets. Top-tier platforms distinguish themselves by offering seamless mobile interfaces and deep liquidity, ensuring traders can enter and exit positions instantly at fair prices without navigating complex setups or high costs.
Top Prediction Markets to Try This Month
How We Rate
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The Best Prediction Market Apps in the US May 2026
Finding a reliable platform requires looking at trading fees, available markets, and regulatory compliance. We tested the top options available to US traders right now to see how they stack up. Below is a breakdown of the leading prediction apps, starting with our top overall pick.
1. Kalshi Prediction Market
Why it’s #1: Kalshi takes the top spot as the "gold standard" for US traders.
Kalshi is the first fully federally regulated prediction market approved by the CFTC, making it an incredibly safe and legitimate platform for US residents. While some alternative markets require complicated crypto setups to get started, Kalshi provides a seamless, cash based experience with incredible liquidity, consistently handling well over $1 billion in weekly trading volume.
When you compare Kalshi to other prediction market sites in the US, the difference is night and day. It completely bypasses the frustratingly low betting limits you will find on older sites like PredictIt, and it offers a much wider variety of markets than the basic event contracts recently launched by brokerages like Robinhood.
By registering with the Kalshi promo codeWSN, you get access to an app that perfectly bridges the gap between high finance and sports fandom. Thanks to their recent launch of NFL and NBA player props, you can trade CFTC approved contracts on specific athlete outcomes, like touchdown scorers or total points, right next to the exact same markets where you trade on Fed interest rates, pop culture events, and election results.
» Find more details about Kalshi in our full Kalshi review.
💰 Sign-up offer: Get $10 When You Trade 100 Contracts 🤩 Promo code: WSN ⚡ Payout Speed: Instant to 3 days 💳 Payment Methods: ACH, Debit Card, Wire transfer, Crypto ⭐ WSN Rating: 4.3/5 📜 Licensed in: All 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C.
Instant USD deposits via Debit Card, Bank Transfer (ACH), Wire, and even Crypto (USDC).
2
Payouts
Fast and reliable withdrawals directly to your bank in 1-3 business days.
3
Support
Highly rated, responsive customer service (avg. response <30 mins).
4
Community
Live activity feeds and social "Ideas" section to track top traders.
2. Crypto.com Prediction Market
Why it’s Ranked #2: Crypto.com secures the second spot for serious event traders. It delivers a fully live, high-liquidity prediction market right now, keeping it a step ahead of Polymarket's ongoing US rollout.
While primarily known as a massive cryptocurrency exchange, Crypto.com operates a robust, fully CFTC regulated prediction market for US customers. In the past, these features were buried deep within their complex crypto ecosystem, which frustrated casual users. However, they recently solved this in early 2026 by launching OG, a completely standalone prediction app that makes trading on sports, elections, and pop culture incredibly straightforward without needing to navigate a crypto wallet.
Despite having a new mainstream app, the main Crypto.com platform remains the absolute best option on the market for hedging. Because their prediction tools sit directly alongside your actual crypto portfolio, you can actively protect your investments. For example, if you own a large amount of Bitcoin, you can easily buy a "No" contract on Bitcoin rising to offset any potential market dips.
The platform also shines with its unique UpDown Options, which allow you to automatically exit a trade early if the price hits a predetermined ceiling or floor. This built in risk management is a feature that almost every other prediction market completely lacks, giving traders a massive advantage when navigating highly volatile events.
💰 Sign-up offer: Get up to $50 in CRO 🤩 Promo code: No Promo Code ⚡ Payout Speed: Instant to 3 days 💳 Payment Methods: ACH, Debit/Credit Card, Wire transfer, Crypto ⭐ WSN Rating: 4.3/5 📜 Licensed in: Available in 41 (Currently restricted in NY, NV, OH, MI, AZ, MD, MA, NJ, and IL)
Unique contracts that automatically close ("knock out") if the price hits a specific high or low, locking in profit or preventing deeper losses.
2
Strike Options
The classic "Yes/No" prediction market format. Available for Crypto Prices, Forex, and major Sports events.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshi, these are fully CFTC-regulated (via Nadex/CDNA), meaning your funds are segregated and legally protected.
4
Payouts
Contracts typically have fixed payouts (e.g., $10 per contract) rather than the $1.00 standard used by Kalshi/Polymarket.
5
Ecosystem
Seamlessly move funds between your bank, your crypto wallet, and your prediction market trades in seconds.
3. Underdog Predict
Why it’s Ranked #3: Underdog Predict secures the third spot by seamlessly blending daily fantasy sports with real money prediction markets, giving it a unique advantage over traditional operators.
Underdog is already a major player in the daily fantasy space, and its prediction platform is built directly into that highly successful ecosystem. This integration provides incredible stability because the app is powered by the exact same reliable engine that millions of sports fans already use. By keeping these markets housed completely within its main app, Underdog has created a familiar, welcoming environment for users who want to trade on sports and pop culture without needing to learn a complex financial interface. If you want to test the waters, you can register with the Underdog promo codeWSNPLAY to get your account set up.
We rank Underdog Predict slightly behind dedicated platforms like Crypto.com primarily because it is still building its market depth for non-sports events and currently lacks a full desktop trading experience. However, its setup is perfectly designed for the everyday sports fan. Unlike its purely financial competitors, Underdog actually allows you to combine your traditional fantasy entries with prediction market positions into singular combo entries. This hybrid approach lets you build completely unique strategies that standard prediction sites simply do not support.
Underdog remains the absolute best prediction market platform for casual traders who value simplicity and low friction trading. Because it uses a straightforward flat fee structure, typically charging just two cents per contract upon purchase with no exit fees, and charges zero banking fees on deposits or withdrawals, you always know exactly what your trades will cost. This makes it the premier choice for users who want to focus on their sports and pop culture predictions without having to manage complicated variable fee schedules.
💰 Sign-up offer: Play $5, Get $50 in Fantasy Bonus Entries 🤩 Promo code: WSNPLAY ⚡ Payout Speed: Instant to 3 days 💳 Payment Methods: Apple Pay, Trustly, Paysafe, Venmo, PayPal ⭐ WSN Rating: 4.3/5 📜 Licensed in: AL, AK, AR, CA, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IN, KS, ME, MN, MO, MT, NE, NM, NC, ND, OK, OR, RI, SC, SD, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WV, WI, WY)
Underdog Predict Key Features
1
Hybrid Entries
Underdog is the only major operator that allows you to bundle daily fantasy picks and prediction market contracts (up to four selections) into a single entry.
2
Transparent Flat Fees
Unlike competitors with variable pricing, Underdog charges a simple, flat $0.02 fee per contract at the time of purchase, with zero fees charged when you cash out or exit a position
3
Zero Banking Fees
Users can deposit and withdraw their funds with absolutely no hidden transaction costs or percentage cuts taken from their balance.
4
Low-Risk Welcome Bonus
New users can easily test the platform by using the promo code WSNPLAY to turn a simple $5 entry into $50 in bonus entries.
WSN's Expert Opinion on Underdog Predict
"I actually love that Underdog is strictly a mobile app. It keeps the algorithmic day-traders away and leaves you trading against casual fantasy players who bet with their hearts. When the public panics over one bad play and dumps their shares, you can scoop up those undervalued contracts for pennies. Right now, it is one of the softest, most exploitable markets you can find."
Tanner Kern
Sports Betting Analyst & On-Air Host
4. OG Prediction Market
Why it’s Ranked #4: OG secures the fourth spot by being the first prediction market app to offer leverage, which gives it a distinct edge over other top prediction market operators in the US.
While the brand is a new standalone app, OG is wholly owned by Crypto.com and functions as their dedicated sports trading platform. This relationship provides incredible technical stability because the app is powered by the exact same CFTC regulated derivatives engine that Crypto.com uses for its broader exchange. By moving its prediction market business to this specialized app, they have created a focused environment for traders who want to target sports, political, and economic outcomes without the clutter of a general cryptocurrency interface.
We currently rank OG at number four, trailing behind industry leaders like Kalshi and the main Crypto.com app. This gap is primarily because OG is a newer platform still building its overall liquidity for niche events. Despite this, its toolset is technically superior for active trading. Unlike its competitors, the OG platform was built to handle professional order types like limit orders and automated knockouts. These features allow you to set a specific price ceiling or floor to automatically exit a position, ensuring you can lock in a profit or cut a loss without having to constantly monitor the app. This level of automation is a massive upgrade over the simple market orders found on most other prediction sites.
OG is also the absolute best platform for maximizing your buying power. It is currently the first prediction market to offer margin trading, meaning you can use leverage to take a larger position on a high conviction prediction with a smaller upfront deposit. While you might be looking for an OG promo code to boost your starting bankroll, you actually do not need one. All new users automatically qualify for five separate 100% profit boosts just for signing up and placing qualifying wagers. This makes it the premier choice for aggressive scalpers who want to treat event trading like a high speed derivatives market.
💰 Sign-up offer: No Promo Offer 🤩 Promo code: No Promo Code ⚡ Payout Speed: Instant to 3 days 💳 Payment Methods: PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, ACH, Debit Card, Wire, Plaid ⭐ WSN Rating: 3.6/5 📜 Licensed in: Available in 48 US States (Currently restricted in NY and AZ)
OG is the only regulated US prediction market that offers margin trading, which allows you to control larger contract positions with less upfront capital.
2
Direct Ownership
The app is wholly owned and managed by Crypto.com, giving it access to an institutional grade trading engine and high security standards.
3
Advanced Orders
Traders can use limit orders and automated exits to manage their risk and execute precise strategies that other platforms do not support.
4
Profit Boost
The current new user promotion provides five profit boost tokens during the first week to double your winnings by up to 20 dollars per day.
5. Polymarket Prediction Market
Why it’s Ranked #5: Polymarket is arguably the most powerful prediction market in the world by volume, often handling more activity than any other platform. It sits at #5 solely because its full US app is currently in a rollout phase.
Make no mistake, Polymarket is a true heavyweight in the prediction space. After securing a massive investment from the Intercontinental Exchange (the parent company of the New York Stock Exchange), the platform brings serious institutional credibility to the table. They also recently acquired a fully licensed CFTC exchange, meaning they now legally operate under strict federal regulation in the US. For traders looking for the widest possible range of event contracts, this is often the first choice.
If Kalshi is the traditional bank of prediction sites, Polymarket operates more like a high speed open network. It is famous for hosting markets on absolutely everything, from obscure pop culture debates to major economic indicators. Rather than just claiming to be transparent, Polymarket actually proves it by running its entire system on the Polygon blockchain. This means every single transaction, trade, and order book is publicly verifiable on the open ledger, ensuring the house cannot manipulate odds or hide liquidity behind closed doors. This infrastructure also frequently allows for much lower trading fees than what traditional financial competitors charge.
Currently, Polymarket US platform operates strictly as an invite only mobile beta. Because they are legally required to run full identity verification on every American user to stay compliant, they are throttling access with a waitlist of over one million people. To get your account set up, you will either need to join that queue or secure a direct referral link from an existing user. Getting past that velvet rope takes a bit of patience, but it grants you access to an incredible depth of niche events and a premier trading environment.
» Read our Polymarket review while you're waiting for it to become available.
💰Sign-up offer: US Launch Bonus TBD 🤩 Promo code: No Promo Code ⚡ Payout Speed: Instant to 3 days 💳 Payment Methods: Credit/Debit Card, USDC, Ethereum ⭐ WSN Rating: 3.6/5 📜 Licensed in: TBD
Polymarket Key Features
1
Markets
The "Everything Store" of predictions. Trade on Pop Culture, Crypto Prices, Global Politics, and niche internet events.
2
Speed
Markets are created instantly based on breaking news, often faster than any regulated competitor.
3
Fees
Extremely low cost. The US platform is rolling out with near-zero fees, aggressively undercutting traditional structures.
4
Crypto
Native to USDC (Stablecoin). Perfect for users who prefer keeping funds on-chain or using crypto wallets.
5
US Access
Now CFTC-approved for US operations, currently rolling out a dedicated app starting with sports markets.
6. Robinhood Prediction Market
Why it’s Ranked #6: Robinhood is the ultimate "all-in-one" choice.
Robinhood lands at number six on our list not because it lacks quality, but because it is explicitly designed for a different audience: the everyday retail investor. If you already trade stocks or crypto, Robinhood removes the friction of opening a totally new account. It seamlessly integrates federally regulated prediction markets into the exact same app you already use, making it the most accessible entry point for millions of Americans.
Convenience is the absolute driving factor here. Robinhood allows you to trade binary "Yes or No" Event Contracts directly alongside your Apple stock and Bitcoin portfolio. Rather than building an exchange from scratch, they route these trades through established derivatives platforms like ForecastEx. This means you get the stability of institutional markets wrapped up in Robinhood's incredibly clean, beginner friendly interface.
Rather than just claiming to be intuitive, Robinhood proves it with a strictly simplified pricing structure. Every single contract is priced between $0.01 and $0.99 and pays out exactly $1.00 if your prediction is correct. Whether you are forecasting political elections, S&P 500 daily movements, or even professional sports, the maximum risk and potential reward are always entirely transparent before you hit buy. It is the perfect platform if you want to casually dabble in prediction markets and manage your risk without having to juggle a separate crypto wallet or specialized financial app.
💰 Sign-up offer: Free Stock Reward 🤩 Promo code: No Promo Code ⚡ Payout Speed: Instant to 5 days 💳 Payment Methods: ACH, Debit Card, Wire Transfer, Buying Power (Stock/Crypto) ⭐ WSN Rating: 4/5 📜 Licensed in: 45+ States & DC (Restricted in: MA, MD, NV, CT, & OH)
Robinhood Key Features
1
Markets
Offers a curated selection of popular events, including US Elections, Fed Rates, and major Sports (NFL, NBA).
2
Fees
Transparent and low-cost structure, typically charging just $0.01 per contract commission (plus exchange fees).
3
Deposits
Use your existing buying power; instant transfers from linked bank accounts work exactly as they do for stock trading.
4
Safety
Fully regulated via its CFTC-compliant partners, ensuring your funds are safe and payouts are guaranteed.
5
Experience
While it may lack advanced data tools, its simplicity makes it unbeatable for casual trading.
WSN's Expert Opinion on Robinhood Predict
"While Robinhood charges a "flat" fee that looks simple, it is often more expensive than Kalshi's variable model, especially for "longshot" bets (low-priced contracts) or "sure things" (high-priced contracts)."
Sports, politics, culture, entertainment, finance, player statistics, hybrid entries
4.8/5
4.6/5
Robinhood
Free Stock Reward
CFTC, National Futures Association (NFA)
Politics, economics, sports, and cultural events
4.3/5
4.2/5
Polymarket
TBA
CFTC*
Politics, sports, economics, and cultural events
4.8/5
2.8/5
PredictIt
No bonus
Academic exemption from CFTC
Politics (US & International)
N/A
N/A
Interactive Brokers
$3.00 Testing Bonus
CFTC
Financials, economics, politics, and environment
4.5/5
4.6/5
DraftKings Predictions
Trade $5, Get $50 in Predictions Dollars
CFTC, NFA
Sports, politics, economics, and cultural events
4.8/5
4.7/5
FanDuel Predicts
Varies by state
CFTC, NFA
Sports, culture, finance, and more
4.8/5
4.5/5
Fanatics Markets
N/A
CFTC (via Crypto.com infrastructure)
Sports, elections, economic indicators, cultural events
4.8/5
4.7/5
Sporttrade
3% Cashback on wagers up to $300
State Gaming Commissions
Sports
4.7/5
3.8/5
Novig
1,000 Novig Coins & 5 Novig Cash
Sweepstakes/Social Betting Laws
Sports
4.7/5
3.8/5
*Polymarket will operate under CFTC regulations when it relaunches in the US.
What are Prediction Market Sites?
Think of a prediction market as a stock exchange for real-world events. Instead of dealing with traditional sportsbook odds, you are simply buying "Yes" or "No" shares on whether a specific outcome will happen. These shares are priced between one cent and 99 cents. If a share costs 60 cents, it means the market believes there is a 60 percent chance that the event will occur. If your prediction is right, every winning share pays out exactly $1. The biggest advantage is that you are never locked in. You can buy and sell your shares on an open market at any time before the event ends, allowing you to secure a profit early or cut your losses.
Prediction markets are legal under federal regulation by the CFTC. However, if you are wondering, are prediction markets legal in every state, the answer is currently up for debate. Multiple states have ongoing litigation between regulators and operators deciding whether trading sports event contracts constitutes sports betting.
At a federal level, the Trump administration appears to be in favor of prediction markets. In June 2025, the Justice Department and the CFTC closed investigations into Polymarket with no further action to be taken.
Major platforms are supportive of regulation. Kalshi operates on a “regulatory first” ethos and waited three years for CFTC approval before launching US markets.
How to Sign up to Prediction Markets
The signup process is straightforward across the top prediction markets. Here’s how to register your new prediction market account in minutes:
Choose your platform: Use the tips above to select a prediction market site. Open the website or download the app, if applicable.
Register: Create an account with your chosen platform and enter your personal details. This typically includes your full name, address, date of birth, and contact information. If you have a signup code, for example the Kalshi bonus code WSN, enter it when prompted.
Verify: Secure, reputable platforms carry out Know Your Customer checks to verify age, identity, and legitimate source of funds. You may be required to provide your Social Security Number or government ID.
Deposit: Read the payment policy if you haven’t already. Head to the cashier section and fill out your payment information as requested to make your first deposit.
Claim bonus: If your chosen platform offers a signup bonus, claim it. For example, Kalshi offers a $10 bonus when you use the code WSN and spend $100 on event contracts.
Make your first trade: Browse the current and upcoming event contracts. Pick the predicted outcome you favor and buy your contract.
Monitor, adjust, sell: Check your predictions and adjust your position if necessary. Remember, you can sell event contracts at any time, not just when the event concludes.
5 Key Factors for Choosing the Right Prediction Market Site
Choosing the right platform depends entirely on what you want to trade and how you want to fund your account. Here is a breakdown of the five key factors to consider before you start trading.
Regulation & Trust
Prioritize platforms that are directly regulated by the CFTC or operate under an official academic exemption. While offshore platforms might offer wilder, unregulated markets, they come with a severe risk. If an offshore site decides to freeze your account or suddenly shuts down, you have absolutely no legal recourse to get your money back.
Contract Availability
Not all platforms list the same events. If your edge is in political forecasting, specialized sites will offer the deepest election coverage and primary debates. If you prefer trading on economic data, Federal Reserve rates, or even box office numbers, you need a broader "everything" prediction market site. Always browse a site's active markets before creating an account to make sure they offer the topics you actually care about.
Liquidity
A market is only useful if you can actually get your trade filled at a fair price. High liquidity means there is a lot of money moving around, which creates tighter spreads between the "Yes" and "No" share prices. If you trade in low-volume markets, your money can get trapped while you wait hours for another user to finally take the other side of your bet.
Fee Structures
Unlike traditional sportsbooks that bake the vig into the odds, prediction markets charge you directly. Some platforms charge a small, flat fee for every contract you buy. Others let you trade for free, but take a percentage cut of your total profits when you win a market. Always review the fee schedule, as heavy profit cuts can completely ruin a long-term trading strategy.
Currency
Platforms generally fall into two distinct camps: traditional fiat or blockchain. Fiat markets let you use standard bank transfers and debit cards, settling all trades in US Dollars. Blockchain prediction markets operate using Stablecoins (like USDC), which are pegged to the dollar to ensure your account balance remains steady.
How to Decide Which Prediction Market Site Is Best for You
1
Question 1: Are you a heavy Daily Fantasy Sports player looking for a highly visual, sports-focused prediction experience?
Yes: Underdog Predict is the perfect fit. It is built specifically for sports fans and is much less intimidating than a traditional trading screen.
No: Go to Question 2.
2
Question 2: Do you already use a mainstream investing app and want to dabble in prediction markets right alongside your regular stocks?
Yes: Robinhood is your best bet. It offers a completely familiar interface for casual traders looking to try out event contracts without downloading a new app.
No: Go to Question 3.
3
Question 3: Do you prefer to trade using cryptocurrency instead of linking a traditional bank account?
Yes: Crypto.com or its standalone sports platform OG will give you the exact crypto-native trading environment you want.
No: Go to Question 4.
4
Question 4: Are you looking for a fully regulated US exchange where you can trade regular cash on everything from sports to politics and economics?
Yes: Kalshi is exactly what you need. It is highly trusted, legally regulated, and perfect for trading US dollars on a wide variety of events.
No: It sounds like prediction markets might not be your style just yet, and you might be better off sticking to a traditional sportsbook like FanDuel or BetMGM.
Free vs. Paid Prediction Market Services
It’s free to create and manage your account on most prediction market apps, and a free membership includes core functions and access to event trading.
On Kalshi, for example, there’s no charge to use the API service, which provides detailed market and portfolio information. However, there is a transaction fee based on the expected earnings of each contract.
Many of the top platforms offer paid subscriptions as well. Robinhood Gold is available as a monthly or annual subscription and offers members extended trading hours, access to exclusive research and data, and discounted contract fees.
Whether or not a paid prediction market service is worth the cost depends on your trading style. Each platform offers something different, so read the details carefully before signing up for paid memberships.
How Prediction Markets Work: Understanding Contracts and Probability
Prediction markets allow users to trade contracts on “Yes/No” outcomes of various events. The probability is determined by collective opinion, meaning how many users predict a certain outcome.
These are the basic principles of predictive event trading:
Contract Mechanics: For each event, users can purchase a contract that pays out $1 if the selected outcome happens. Each contract is priced between $0.01 and $0.99, and users can purchase multiple of the same contract up to a maximum set by the platform.
Price as Probability: The price of the contract reflects the market probability of the outcome. This can increase as more traders buy into the same outcome, or decrease if the opposite outcome is more popular. As an example, a contract trading at $0.75 implies a 75% market probability.
Trading vs. Betting: Unlike sports betting, event trading allows users to sell contracts early, at any time after purchasing. This gives the flexibility for traders to lock in profit in a classic buy-low-sell-high trade, or cut their losses if the price looks set to drop further.
Prediction Markets vs Traditional Sportsbooks: Key Differences
Prediction markets and traditional sportsbooks may look similar on the surface, but the mechanics behind the scenes are vastly different.Here is a quick breakdown of prediction markets vs. sportsbooks:
Feature
📈 Prediction Markets (e.g., Kalshi)
🎰 Traditional Sportsbooks (e.g., DraftKings)
Who Sets the Odds?
The People. Prices are driven by supply and demand (user activity). This often creates higher profit potential since there is no "house edge."
The House. Odds are set by the bookmaker and include a built-in fee (the "vig") to ensure the house makes money.
Transparency
High. You can see exactly how much money has been wagered (liquidity) and view price movements over time to spot trends.
Low. You cannot see the betting volume or how much money is on the other side of your bet.
Bet Types
Simple. Mostly "Yes/No" contracts (e.g., "Will Patrick Mahomes throw a TD?"). Options are simpler but growing (now includes player props).
Complex. Massive variety, including parlays, point spreads, teasers, and money lines across almost every league globally.
Regulation
Federal (CFTC). Regulated at the national level, making them widely available across the US (with minor exceptions).
State-by-State. Requires specific licenses in every single state. If your state hasn't legalized it, you can't play.
Important Note on Regulation
While Prediction Markets are federally regulated, state rules still matter.
The General Rule: Federal CFTC approval usually allows these markets to operate nationwide.
The Exception: Operators may restrict access if a specific state demands it. For example, in November 2025, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission reiterated that sportsbooks cannot offer event contracts, blocking access to these markets for MA residents.
How Are Prediction Market Winnings Taxed?
One of the biggest, most overlooked advantages of using a regulated prediction market instead of a traditional sportsbook is how the IRS treats your money. Because sites like Kalshi are regulated by the CFTC as financial exchanges, they are not legally considered "gambling" platforms.
Capital Gains vs. Gambling Income
When you win a bet on a sportsbook, the IRS classifies it as ordinary gambling income. When you buy and sell contracts on a regulated prediction market, those are classified as financial assets. Therefore, your profits are generally taxed as short-term capital gains, exactly like day trading stocks on a traditional brokerage app.
The Forms You Receive (1099-B vs. W-2G)
If you hit a massive wager on a sportsbook, they will send you a W-2G gambling tax form. Prediction markets do not use W-2Gs. Instead, regulated prediction exchanges will track your total profits and losses for the year and send you a Form 1099-B (or a 1099-MISC for academic sites like PredictIt) come tax season.
The Massive Loss Deduction Advantage
This is where prediction markets easily beat sportsbooks, especially after the recent federal tax changes. Starting in 2026, the IRS heavily restricted how sports bettors can deduct their losses. Currently, recreational gamblers are only allowed to deduct up to 90% of their gambling losses against their winnings, and they can only do so if they choose to itemize their deductions. This new rule creates "phantom income" for bettors. If you win $10,000 but lose $10,000 over the course of a year, you are still forced to pay taxes on $1,000 of income even though you just broke even.
Prediction markets bypass this penalty completely. Because your trades are treated as capital assets, your capital losses directly and fully offset your capital gains. You can use 100% of your losing trades to lower your taxable profits, and you do not even have to itemize your deductions to do it. If your losses exceed your gains for the year, you can even use up to $3,000 of those net losses to offset your regular, everyday income.
We are not certified public accountants (CPAs). Tax laws change rapidly, and you should always consult a tax professional regarding your specific situation before filing.
How We Rate Prediction Market Platforms
At WSN, our core expertise is rooted in iGaming and sports analysis. We have spent years breaking down probabilities, hunting for positive expected value, and studying how lines move. Fortunately, the exact same analytical skills required to beat the sportsbook translate directly to finding an edge in event contracts, and several of our experts actively trade on these prediction exchanges.
However, because buying "Yes" or "No" shares operates entirely differently than placing a traditional wager, we knew we could not just recycle our standard betting metrics. We built a brand new evaluation framework designed specifically for how prediction markets actually function. This customized system allows us to rigorously test forecasting apps based on the mechanics that actually matter to traders, like order book liquidity, fee structures, and regulatory safety.
Why You Should Trust Us
Since 2005, WSN has been a trusted voice in the betting industry. We built our reputation by mastering odds, probability, and market value. Now, our team of over 40 betting analysts and data experts applies that exact same discipline to the prediction market space.
We do not just rewrite marketing material. Here is the actual work that goes into our recommendations:
Rigorous and authentic testing Having reviewed over 50 legal betting and trading platforms, we know exactly what a safe platform looks like. For every prediction site we rank, our team dedicates a minimum of 12 hours over a full week to exploring the app. We deposit our own money, execute live trades, and test the withdrawal process to ensure our reviews reflect a genuine user experience.
A massive educational foundation Transitioning from traditional sports wagers to trading event contracts comes with a learning curve. We help bridge that gap with a comprehensive library of over 40 betting and trading guides, designed to teach you the mechanics of the market before you risk a single dollar.
Prioritizing your financial safety Trading financial contracts always carries risk. To help you protect your bankroll, we maintain a dedicated responsible gambling center. It is fully stocked with 10 in-depth articles and videos focused specifically on helping you manage your money and trade safely.
Community-backed ratings Our experts know the math, but we also rely on the wisdom of the crowd. We actively track feedback from our visitors, incorporating your real-world experiences with these prediction platforms directly into our final ratings.
Prediction Market Apps FAQ
Are prediction markets legal in the US?
Yes, prediction markets are legal in the US. They are federally regulated by the CFTC, whereas sports betting falls under state-by-state legislation. Sports event contracts are currently a legal form of predictive trading, but state regulators can prohibit sports betting licensees from offering it.
What is the minimum amount I need to start trading on prediction markets?
There is no set minimum amount needed to trade on prediction markets, and each platform sets its own policies. Kalshi and Robinhood have a minimum deposit of $1 and event contracts are priced from $0.01.
Do prediction markets offer better odds than traditional sportsbooks?
The probabilities on prediction markets are based on crowd opinion, so they can sometimes offer a higher payout if opinion changes in favor of your contract. Traditional sportsbooks calculate odds from historical data and statistical analysis, while accounting for a house profit margin.
Can I lose more money than I initially invest in prediction markets?
No, you can lose the amount that you invest but no more than that. If you buy a contract and it doesn’t turn out correct, you’ll only lose what you paid for the contract.
What role does AI and data analysis play in prediction market trading?
Prediction markets use AI to update events in the moment, to support live trading, and to adjust predictions. AI tools can scan and analyze social media and online discussions to aggregate public sentiment, predicting the outcome and the crowd opinion at the same time.
Do I have to wait until the event concludes to make a profit?
No, you can sell contracts at any point. If you buy a contract early at a low price and it goes up, you can sell high before the event concludes, or you can hold for a higher end price.
Are winnings from prediction markets considered taxable income?
Yes, profits from prediction markets are considered taxable income, similar to sports betting winnings. Regulated platforms like Kalshi provide tax summary documents for users who reach IRS-set reporting thresholds. Keep your own records and consult a tax professional, as platforms aren’t tax advisors.
Tanner Kern has been working in the betting industry since 2020. He currently is a social media content creator at DraftKings and contributes to multiple sites in addition to WSN, including Forbes and VSiN. He is also the cohost of the podcast Ride the Line at WSN.
Missy is a content writer from London. She recently graduated from the University of East Anglia and now specializes in casinos and sports betting. When Missy isn't writing content, she's usually writing something else.
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