Best Prediction Markets for Trading in November 2026: Reviews & Comparisons

If you want the quick answer, Polymarket is the best prediction market app for trading in the US. It is a fully regulated US exchange that gives you full 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.

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🏆 Our Top Choice
Logo image for Polymarket logo blue logo Polymarket
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Key Takeaways

  1. Polymarket is our top pick because it is CFTC-regulated, lets you fund with cash or crypto, and settles every trade in plain US dollars.

  2. Prediction markets are federally regulated by the CFTC as event contracts, which is why they operate nationwide instead of state-by-state like sportsbooks, though a few states still restrict access.

  3. You buy Yes or No shares priced between $0.01 and $0.99, each pays $1 if correct, and you can sell anytime before the event ends to lock in profit or cut losses.

  4. Winnings are taxed as capital gains on a 1099-B, so you can offset 100% of losing trades against your gains, unlike sportsbooks where losses are now capped at 90%.

Top Prediction Market Apps for Trading This Month

How We Rate
Affiliate Disclaimer
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Polymarket 1

Polymarket

4.5/5

Verified in November
Polymarket Review

Deposit $10 get a $25 Trading Bonus

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Kalshi 2

Kalshi

4.3/5

Verified in November
Kalshi Review

Trade $25 and Get $25

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Certain limitations apply. The offer is available to new users only, subject to the terms and conditions at kalshi.com/tc/500. 18+ only.

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Crypto.com 3

Crypto.com

4.3/5

Verified in November
Crypto.com Review

Get up to $50 in CRO

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OG 4
Verified in November
OG Review

Trade $25 Get $50 in Rewards

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Underdog 5

Underdog

4.3/5

Verified in November
Underdog Review

Play $10, Get $50 in Bonus Entry

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Underdog Predict is a registered FCM offering event contracts. Trades may be placed on CDNA, a registered DCM, powered by UDM Services, LLC. Trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for all. Must be a U.S. resident. Terms apply: underdogpredict.com. Content is promotional and is not a recommendation to trade.

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The Best Prediction Market Apps for Trading in the US Ranked

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 market apps for trading, starting with our top overall pick.

1. Polymarket Prediction Market

Prediction Market Bonuses Polymarket

Why it’s Ranked #1: Polymarket is arguably the most powerful prediction market in the world by volume, often handling more activity than any other platform. While its ranking was previously held back during a slow U.S. rollout phase, the official launch of its dedicated mobile app has cemented its top position.

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 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 prediction 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. Polymarket US runs separately from Polymarket's global, blockchain-based exchange. It's a CFTC-regulated US exchange where you can fund your account with a debit card, bank transfer, Apple Pay, PayPal, Venmo, wire, or USDC on iPhone, and every trade is made in US dollars. Its trading fees also run well below what traditional financial competitors charge.

Currently, the fully compliant Polymarket US platform operates exclusively as a mobile app. After months of throttling access via a massive waitlist to handle strict identity verification (KYC) requirements, the platform officially opened its doors to the American public in May 2026. You no longer have to wait behind a velvet rope or secure a referral link to get your account set up. Downloading the iOS or Android app grants you immediate access to an incredible depth of niche events and a premier trading environment directly from your phone. New users can enter Polymarket promo code WSN at sign-up to claim the welcome bonus.

» Read our Polymarket review to find out more.

💰Sign-up offer: Deposit $10 get a $25 Trading Bonus
🤩 Promo code: WSN
⚡ Payout Speed: Instant (via USDC) to 3 days (Fiat withdrawals)
💳 Payment Methods: Debit Card, Bank Transfer (ACH), Apple Pay, PayPal, Venmo, Wire Transfer, USDC (iPhone)
⭐ WSN Rating: 4.5/5
📱 Android User Rating: 1.8
🍎 iOS User Rating: 4.7
📜 Licensed in: 49 states & DC (not available in NV)

Claim your Polymarket Welcome Bonus

Polymarket Key Features

1

Markets

2

Speed

3

Fees

4

Funding

Polymarket Pros and Cons

Pros Widest market selection of any platform
Pros Fund with cash, e-wallets, or USDC, with every trade in US dollars
Pros Near-zero trading fees
Cons US platform is mobile-only right now
Cons Fiat withdrawals take up to 3 days

2. Kalshi Prediction Market

Prediction Market Bonuses Kalshi

Why it’s Ranked #2: Kalshi sits behind Polymarket because it lacks Polymarket's crypto-native scale and market variety, but it stays ahead of Crypto.com and OG as the most established CFTC-regulated, cash-based exchange with the deepest liquidity of any dedicated exchange.

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 market catalog than the basic event contracts recently launched by brokerages like Robinhood.

By registering with the Kalshi promo code WSN, 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: Trade $25 and Get $25
🤩 Promo code: WSN
⚡ Payout Speed: Instant to 3 days
💳 Payment Methods: ACH, Debit Card, Wire transfer, Crypto
⭐ WSN Rating: 4.3/5
📱 Android User Rating: 4.5
🍎 iOS User Rating: 4.7
📜 Licensed in: All 50 states & DC (sports contracts not offered in MI and NV; most non-financial contracts not offered in WA)

Claim your Kalshi Promo Code

Kalshi Disclaimer

Certain limitations apply. The offer is available to new users only, subject to the terms and conditions at kalshi.com/tc/500. 18+ only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Please carefully consider if it is appropriate for you in light of your personal financial circumstances. Kalshi products are not available in all jurisdictions. See kalshi.com/regulatory for more information.

Kalshi Key Features

1

Deposits

2

Payouts

3

Support

4

Community

Kalshi Pros and Cons

Pros Over $1 billion in weekly trading volume
Pros NFL and NBA player prop markets
Pros Support responds in under 30 minutes
Cons Narrower pop culture and niche market coverage than Polymarket
Cons Sports contracts restricted in some states

3. Crypto.com Prediction Market

Prediction Market Bonuses Crypto com

Why it’s Ranked #3: Crypto.com ranks ahead of OG and Underdog because it already runs a live, high-liquidity CFTC-regulated market paired with a full crypto exchange, but it trails Kalshi's cash-based liquidity and Polymarket's market breadth.

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 addressed this in 2026 by launching OG, a standalone sports-focused prediction app that runs on the same engine 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 lets you fund trades by converting crypto from your Crypto.com wallet to USD instantly with no conversion fees, and you don't need a Crypto.com promo code to join. 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 clear advantage when navigating highly volatile events.

» To find out more check our Crypto.com review.

💰 Sign-up offer: Get up to $50 in CRO
🤩 Promo code: No promo code required
⚡ Payout Speed: Up to 24 hours
💳 Payment Methods: ACH, Debit/Credit Card, Wire transfer, Crypto
⭐ WSN Rating: 4.3/5
📱 Android User Rating: 4.5
🍎 iOS User Rating: 4.7
📜 Licensed in: 48 states & DC (not available in AZ or NY; sports contracts not offered in IL, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NV, and OH)

Get up to $50 in CRO

Crypto.com Key Features

1

UpDowns

2

Strike Options

3

Regulated

4

Payouts

5

Ecosystem

Crypto.com Pros and Cons

Pros CFTC-regulated market paired with a full crypto exchange
Pros UpDown Options auto-close trades at a set price
Pros Fixed per-contract payouts
Cons Interface can feel dense for casual users

4. Underdog Predict

Prediction Market Bonuses Underdog Banner

Why it’s Ranked #4: Underdog Predict ranks below the dedicated exchanges because it's still building depth outside of sports and pop culture and lacks a desktop trading experience, but its DFS integration makes it the easiest fit for fantasy players.

Underdog is already a major player in daily fantasy contests, and its prediction platform is built directly into the Underdog Fantasy 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. Play $10 and get $50 in Bonus Entries when you use Underdog promo code WSNPLAY during sign-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 combos. 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. Don't forget to use Underdog promo code WSNPLAY during sign-up to get your bonus.

» To find out more, check our Underdog Prediction review.

💰 Sign-up offer: Play $10, Get $50 in Bonus Entry
🤩 Promo code: WSNPLAY
⚡ Payout Speed: Instant to 3 days
💳 Payment Methods: Apple Pay, Trustly, Paysafe, Venmo, PayPal
⭐ WSN Rating: 4.3/5
📱 Android User Rating: 4.6
🍎 iOS User Rating: 4.8
📜 Licensed in: 46 states & DC (not available in AZ, MI, NV, or NY)

Sign up at Underdog

Underdog Predict Key Features

1

Hybrid Entries

2

Transparent Flat Fees

3

Zero Banking Fees

4

Sports News Feed

Underdog Pros and Cons

Pros Combines DFS picks and prediction contracts in one entry
Pros Flat $0.02 per-contract fee, no exit or banking fees
Pros Simple, fantasy-sports-familiar interface
Cons Mobile-only, no desktop trading
Cons Thin market depth outside sports
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
Tanner Kern
Sports Betting Analyst & On-Air Host

5. OG Prediction Market

Prediction Market Bonuses OG Banner

Why it’s Ranked #5: OG ranks behind Underdog because it’s still building liquidity outside of sports and political markets, but it stands out for its sports focus, with props, parlays, and a social feed in one app.

OG is Crypto.com’s standalone prediction market app, launched in early 2026 to give its fast-growing event contracts business a dedicated home. It runs on Crypto.com | Derivatives North America (CDNA), the same CFTC-registered exchange behind Crypto.com’s own prediction markets, so you get the same federal oversight without the clutter of a full cryptocurrency app. Markets cover sports, politics, economics, and entertainment, with sports getting the most attention.

Where OG differs from the bigger exchanges is the social layer. You can share your predictions, follow other traders, and climb community leaderboards, and the sports board includes player props and parlays through its Build Parlay feature. The trade-off is execution: OG takes market orders only for now, with no limit orders, so every trade pays the taker fee. Crypto.com has announced margin trading for OG, but it still needs CFTC approval.

Use OG promo code WSN at sign-up to claim the welcome offer: trade $25, get $50 in rewards. Your qualifying trade has to be placed within 7 days of identity verification and settle inside that window, and only contracts priced under an 80% implied probability count. OG isn’t available in Arizona or New York.

» To find out more check our OG prediction market review.

💰 Sign-up offer: Trade $25 Get $50 in Rewards
🤩 Promo code: WSN
⚡ Payout Speed: 3 to 5 Days
💳 Payment Methods: PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, ACH, Debit Card, Wire, Plaid
⭐ WSN Rating: 4/5
📱 Android User Rating: 4.0
🍎 iOS User Rating: 4.2
📜 Licensed in: 48 states & DC (not available in AZ or NY)

OG Disclaimer

Paid partnership with OG. Terms and conditions apply. Trading derivatives involves risk and may not be appropriate for all. Availability subject to jurisdictional limitations. For more information, visit: OG.com.

OG Key Features

1

Sports Focus

2

Props and Parlays

3

Social Feed

4

Direct Ownership

OG Pros and Cons

Pros Props, parlays, and futures all available
Pros Social feed and community leaderboards
Pros Backed by Crypto.com’s CFTC-regulated exchange
Cons Still building liquidity outside of sports and politics

6. Gemini Predictions

Gemini Predictions Feature Image

Why it’s Ranked #6: Gemini ranks behind OG because its sports inventory is thinner and liquidity drops off fast on niche markets, but it brings a transparent fee schedule, no maker fees through 2026, and 24/7 live chat.

Gemini is a cryptocurrency exchange that added prediction markets in 2025, and its affiliate, Gemini Titan, LLC, was designated by the CFTC as a Designated Contract Market in December 2025. Predictions sit inside the main Gemini app behind a dedicated Predict button, and you can also trade on desktop. Markets cover sports, politics, crypto, commodities, economics, technology, weather, and culture, with crypto price contracts running from five minutes to a month.

Fees follow a price-weighted formula: takers pay 7% and makers 1.75% of the contract’s fee base, so costs peak at 50¢. Maker fees are waived on eligible trades through December 31, 2026, and liquidity providers can earn rebates and rewards on top. Gemini added a combo builder in September, and its Contract Intelligence feature pulls together background on each event before you trade.

New users get a 50% trade match on pro football contracts, worth up to $100 in Predict Cash, with no promo code needed. Trade $200 in eligible pro football contracts priced between 20¢ and 80¢ to collect the full amount.

» To find out more check our Gemini prediction market review.

💰 Sign-up offer: 50% Trade Match up to $100
⚡ Payout Speed: 1 to 3 Business Days
💳 Payment Methods: ACH, Wire Transfer, PayPal
⭐ WSN Rating: 3.9/5
📱 Android User Rating: 4.0
🍎 iOS User Rating: 4.8
📜 Licensed in: All 50 states & DC

Sign up to Gemini Exchange

Gemini Key Features

1

Price-Weighted Fees

2

Contract Intelligence

3

Combo Builder

4

Crypto Contracts

Gemini Pros and Cons

Pros No maker fees through 2026
Pros 24/7 live chat with human escalation
Pros Rebates on maker orders
Cons Thinner sports coverage than Kalshi and Polymarket
Cons No deposit or loss limit tools

How We Rate Prediction Market Apps for Trading

Every platform on this page earns a score out of 5, calculated by averaging five factors we test firsthand. It is the same BetEdge method we use for sportsbooks and casinos, rebuilt for how event contracts work. Buying Yes or No shares is not placing a wager, so we dropped our standard betting metrics and scored the things that decide whether you keep your edge or hand it back.

Here are the five BetEdge factors for prediction markets, each scored out of 5:

  • Markets & Liquidity: How many event contracts a platform lists and how deep the order books run. Thin liquidity traps your money and widens spreads, so we place live trades to measure how fast orders fill and how tight the Yes and No prices sit.

  • Fees & Payouts: What each contract costs to open, close, and settle, plus the deposit methods and withdrawal speed. Prediction markets charge you directly instead of baking a vig into the odds, so a heavy fee schedule eats a winning strategy alive.

  • User Experience: Interface quality and how quickly a new trader finds a market and places an order across mobile and desktop.

  • Promotions & Bonuses: The welcome offer and ongoing promos, run through our EV calculator to expose the real cash value behind the headline number.

  • Customer Support: Availability, response times, and whether the help actually solves the problem, tested across every channel a platform offers.

Two factors sit outside the score but decide whether a platform makes this page at all: regulation (we rank only CFTC-regulated exchanges and academic-exempt markets) and responsible trading tools. On every platform we rate, we deposit our own money, trade live, and test a withdrawal, spending a minimum of 12 hours across a full week before publishing, then revisiting each review monthly to keep the scores current.

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.

» Check our prediction market guides to learn more about prediction markets.

Where Prediction Market Regulation Stands

The short answer to are prediction markets legal in the US is yes, federally. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) regulates event contracts as financial derivatives, so prediction markets operate nationwide without a license in each state the way sportsbooks need one.

The states are where it gets complicated. As of October 26, 2026, state governments in 21 states are suing, issuing orders, or defending suits over prediction markets, arguing that sports contracts are bets under state law.

Where things stand as of October 26, 2026:

  • Appeals courts are split - The Third Circuit sided with Kalshi in New Jersey, while the Ninth Circuit (Nevada) and Sixth Circuit (Ohio and Tennessee) sided with the states.

  • Three petitions sit at the Supreme Court - New Jersey, Robinhood, and Crypto.com have each asked the Court to settle the question. Thirty-nine states, the NFL, and 145 tribes and tribal groups have urged the Court to take New Jersey's case, and responses are due in November.

  • Three states have blocked prediction markets - Courts have ordered geofencing in Michigan, Nevada, and Washington. Ohio and Tennessee won at the Sixth Circuit, and Kalshi has asked the full court to rehear the case.

  • Connecticut and Missouri ordered platforms to stop - Connecticut sent cease-and-desist orders to nine platforms in September, including Polymarket, Crypto.com, and Robinhood, and sued Kalshi in state court. Missouri ordered six platforms to stop, including Kalshi and Polymarket, and Crypto.com and Novig sued the state on Oct. 16.

  • Massachusetts is blocked but paused - The state's injunction is on hold while its Supreme Judicial Court weighs the appeal.

  • Minnesota's ban is on hold - A federal judge blocked the state's felony ban before it took effect.

  • Utah won the first final ruling - A federal judge held that federal law does not override Utah's gambling ban, and Kalshi is appealing.

  • New York is a flashpoint - The state sued Kalshi and Polymarket, while the CFTC ordered Kalshi to keep operating there.

  • Iowa is testing a middle path - A federal judge refused in September to block Iowa from enforcing its gambling laws against Kalshi, and a Senate bill to license and tax prediction markets stalled in the House.

  • The federal rulebook is still being written - The CFTC proposed a framework in June for deciding which contracts are allowed. On Oct. 9, it proposed defining sports and other event contracts as swaps and issued an interim rule stating that state-licensed sportsbook and casino wagers are not swaps. The interim rule took effect Oct. 19, while the June framework and the swap definition are still proposals, with comments on both swap rules due Nov. 18.

Is Kalshi Legal in Florida?
Is Kalshi Legal in Florida? 1 month ago | Bryan Zarpentine
Is Kalshi Legal in New York?
Is Kalshi Legal in New York? 1 month ago | Bryan Zarpentine
Is Kalshi Legal in Texas?
Is Kalshi Legal in Texas? 1 month ago | Bryan Zarpentine
Is Kalshi Legal in California?
Is Kalshi Legal in California? 1 month ago | Bryan Zarpentine

How to Sign Up and Start Trading on a Prediction Market App

The sign-up process is straightforward across the top prediction markets. Here’s how to register your new prediction market account in minutes:

  1. Choose your platform: Use the tips above to select a prediction market site. Open the website or download the app, if applicable.

  2. 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.

  3. Verify: Secure, reputable platforms carry out account verification through Know Your Customer checks to confirm age, identity, and legitimate source of funds. You may be required to provide your Social Security Number or government ID.

  4. 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.

  5. Claim bonus: If your chosen platform offers a sign-up bonus, claim it. For example, Kalshi offers a trade $25 and get $25 when you use the promo code WSN.

  6. Make your first trade: Browse the current and upcoming event contracts. Pick the predicted outcome you favor and buy your contract.

  7. 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.

List of All Prediction Market Sites and Apps in the US

Driven by major legal breakthroughs and soaring trading volumes, prediction markets have officially evolved from a niche financial corner into a mainstream alternative to traditional sportsbooks. With several major operators now live for real-money trading nationwide, platforms are aggressively competing for users by rolling out the best prediction market bonuses and welcome perks.

Before diving into your first event contract, here is an unranked overview of all the active prediction market platforms currently operating in the US, detailing how they stack up across their offerings, user experience, regulatory compliance, and market specialization.

Prediction PlatformWelcome OfferRegulationMarket FocusiOS App RatingAndroid App Rating
CME GroupN/A (Traded via retail brokers)CFTCFinancials, equities, commodities, macroeconomic dataN/AN/A
Crypto.comGet up to $50 in CROCFTCPolitics, economics, financials, sports4.7/54.5/5
DraftKings PredictionsTrade $5, Get $50 in Predictions DollarsCFTC, NFASports, politics, economics, and cultural events4.8/54.7/5
Fanatics MarketsN/ACFTC (via Crypto.com infrastructure)Sports, elections, economic indicators, cultural events4.8/54.7/5
FanDuel PredictVaries by stateCFTC, NFASports, culture, finance, and more4.8/54.5/5
ForecastExIncentive Coupon (~3.12% APY on positions)CFTCEconomic indicators, climate, corporate data, government statistics3.8/53.8/5
Gemini Predictions50% Trade Match up to $100CFTC (DCM & DCO)Crypto, politics, financials4.8/54/5
Interactive Brokers$10 Credit for RegisteringCFTCFinancials, economics, politics, and environment4.5/54.6/5
Iowa Electronic Markets (IEM)No bonusAcademic exemption from CFTCElections and economic indicatorsN/AN/A
KalshiTrade $25 and Get $25CFTCSports, politics, culture, economics, weather, health, science4.7/54.5/5
Manifold MarketsFree play-money (Mana) upon signupSweepstakes / Play-moneyCommunity-created markets, tech, culture, politics4.3/54.2/5
NinjaTraderVaries (Retail broker offers)CFTC, NFAFutures and CME event contracts4.7/54.5/5
Novig1,000 Novig Coins & 5 Novig CashCFTCSports4.7/53.8/5
OGTrade $25 Get $50 in RewardsCFTCSports, politics, climate, companies, and economy4.2/54.0/5
Plus500Varies (Retail broker offers)CFTC, NFAFutures and CME event contracts4.3/54.1/5
PolymarketDeposit $10 get a $25 Trading BonusCFTCPolitics, sports, economics, and cultural events4.7/51.8/5
PredictItNo bonusAcademic exemption from CFTCPolitics (US & International)N/AN/A
PrizePicks PredictPlay $5, Get $50 in Bonus LineupsCFTCSports (Team Picks) and pop culture (Culture Picks)4.7/54.7/5
ProphetXTrade $10, Get $20 in Trading BonusCFTCSports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, soccer)4.5/54.5/5
Railbird ExchangeN/A (Infrastructure for DraftKings)CFTCSports (football, basketball, baseball, hockey, golf)N/AN/A
RobinhoodFree Stock RewardCFTC, National Futures Association (NFA)Politics, economics, sports, and cultural events4.3/54.2/5
Sporttrade3% Cashback on wagers up to $300State Gaming CommissionsSports4.7/53.8/5
UnderdogPlay $10, Get $50 in Bonus EntryCFTCSports, politics, culture, entertainment, finance, player statistics, hybrid entries4.8/54.6/5
WebullVaries (Brokerage promotions)CFTC, NFA (via Kalshi partnership)Finance, politics, economics4.7/54.6/5

Five 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 guide your decision-making before you start trading.
Regulation & Trust

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

Contract Availability

Not all platforms list the same events. If your edge is in political forecasting, specialized political betting 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

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

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

Currency

Platforms generally fall into two distinct categories: 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 Choose the Right Prediction Market App for You

1

Question 1: Are you a heavy Daily Fantasy Sports player looking for a highly visual, sports-focused prediction experience?

2

Question 2: Do you mostly trade sports and want player props, parlays, and a social feed where you can follow other traders?

3

Question 3: Do you want the widest range of markets, from politics and pop culture to sports and economics, with near-zero trading fees?

4

Question 4: Do you prefer to trade using cryptocurrency instead of linking a traditional bank account?

5

Question 5: Are you looking for a fully regulated US exchange where you can trade regular cash on everything from sports to politics and economics?

If you are still undecided, we have a head-to-head comparison of the biggest prediction market apps in the US. You can check the actual differences to find the right prediction market for you.

Prediction Markets vs. Traditional Sportsbooks: Key Differences for Users

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.
TransparencyHigh. 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 TypesSimple. 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.
RegulationFederal (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.

How Are Prediction Market Winnings Taxed?

One of the biggest and most overlooked perks of a regulated prediction market is how the IRS treats your money. Because the CFTC regulates sites like Kalshi as financial exchanges, they don't count as "gambling" platforms under the law. Our guide to gambling taxes explains how the sportsbook side is taxed.

Win a bet at a sportsbook and the IRS treats it as ordinary gambling income. Trade contracts on a regulated prediction market and those count as financial assets instead. So your profit is usually taxed as a short-term capital gain, reported on IRS Schedule D, just like day trading stocks.

A big sportsbook win comes with a W-2G gambling tax form. Prediction markets don't use W-2Gs. They track your profits and losses for the year and send you IRS Form 1099-B at tax time (or a 1099-MISC for academic sites like PredictIt).

This is where prediction markets pull ahead. Starting in 2026, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act tightened how sports bettors deduct losses. Recreational gamblers can now write off only 90% of their losses against winnings, and only if they itemize. That creates "phantom income." Win $10,000 and lose $10,000 in a year and you have broken even, yet you still owe tax on $1,000.

Prediction markets skip that penalty. Your trades are capital assets, so losing trades offset winning ones in full. You can apply 100% of your losses against your profits, and you don't have to itemize to do it. If your losses beat your gains for the year, you can even use up to $3,000 of the difference against your regular income.

Disclaimer

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.

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.

Trading Responsibly and Managing Risk on Prediction Markets

Prediction markets aren't legally classified as gambling, but the money at risk is real, and so is the pull to keep trading. Because every platform on this list is CFTC-regulated, your funds are held to the same anti-fraud standards as a stock brokerage. That protects you from a platform collapsing or manipulating prices. It does nothing to protect you from a bad trading decision, and the constant price movement, real-time news reactions, and ability to buy and sell instantly can make event contracts feel a lot closer to sports betting than to long-term investing.

A few habits keep that risk in check:

  • Set a trading budget before you start, not after. Decide what you can afford to lose in a week or a month, and treat that number as fixed. Don't fund a new deposit because a previous trade went against you.

  • Size your positions. Putting your entire balance into a single contract, even one you feel certain about, removes any room for being wrong.

  • Be extra careful with leverage. Margin trading multiplies losses exactly as fast as it multiplies gains. If you don't fully understand how a margin call works, skip it.

  • Don't chase a loss. Doubling down on a worse price after a trade moves against you is the same instinct that drives problem gambling, whether or not the product is technically a "bet."

  • Step back if trading starts affecting your mood, sleep, or finances outside the platform. Checking prices compulsively, hiding your activity, or trading with money set aside for bills are signs it's time to take a break.

The capital loss tax treatment covered earlier is a real financial advantage over traditional sportsbooks, but it's not a safety net. A trade that loses money is still money lost, deduction or not.

If prediction market trading stops feeling like a calculated decision and starts feeling compulsive, WSN's Responsible Gambling center can help you recognize the signs, and the National Council on Problem Gambling helpline (1-800-MY-RESET) is free, confidential, and there when you need to talk to someone.

Prediction Market Apps FAQ

What is the minimum amount I need to start trading on prediction markets?

Do prediction markets offer better odds than traditional sportsbooks?

Can I lose more money than I initially invest in prediction markets?

What role do AI and data analysis play in prediction market trading?

Do I have to wait until the event concludes to make a profit?

Are winnings from prediction markets considered taxable income?

Tanner Kern

Tanner Kern

Sports Betting Analyst & On-Air Host

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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.
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Missy Macdonald

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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.
Email: missy.macdonald@wsn.com
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