Best Prediction Market Apps 2026 – Top Platforms in September
The best prediction market apps in 2026 include Kalshi, Polymarket, and ProphetX. Here we've tested and traded on the leading prediction market platforms to compare market selection, liquidity, fees, payout speed, promotions, and user experience. Find your perfect prediction app for trading on sports, politics, economics, and more.
Top prediction apps in September
- +Industry-leading trading volume ($37.7B in July 2026)
- +Thousands of markets: sports, politics, economics & more
- +Fast withdrawals: crypto within ~30 minutes
Certain limitations apply. The offer is available to new users only, subject to the terms and conditions specified by Kalshi. 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.
- +Strong political & current-event markets
- +Growing trading activity (~$5B volume in July 2026)
- +Rewards liquidity-providing makers
18+ Only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Not available in all jurisdictions. Trading is risky. 100% loss can occur. See https://polymarket.com/tos for more information. The Polymarket US App serves as an independent software provider and affiliate of Polymarket US and Polymarket Clearing, the CFTC-regulated exchange and clearing organization.
- +Fee-free pregame straight trades
- +More control over pricing
- +Strong sports market selection
Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. The offer is available to new users only, subject to the terms and conditions specified by Novig. 21+ only. 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. Novig products are not available in all jurisdictions.
- +More control over pricing: trade at market or set your own
- +Competitive fee: 2% of net gains per market
- +Built specifically for sports
Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. The offer is available to new users only, subject to the terms and conditions specified by ProphetX. 18+ only. 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. ProphetX products are not available in all jurisdictions.
- +Sports-first experience across major leagues
- +Flexible sports contracts: winners, spreads, totals
Must be 18+ (19+ in AL, NE; 19+ in CO for some games; 21+ in AZ, MA, and VA) and present in a state where Underdog Fantasy operates. Terms apply. Offer not valid in MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, and PA. Concerned with your play? Call 1-800-MY-RESET or 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.ncpgambling.org; AZ: 1-800-NEXT-STEP (1-800-639-8783) or text NEXT-STEP to 53342; NY: Call the 24/7 HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY or Text HOPENY (467369).
- +Beginner-friendly trading interface
- +Sports and event-contract markets
- +Built-in guides for new traders
Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. The offer is available to new users only, subject to the terms and conditions specified by FanDuel Predicts. 18+ only. 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. FanDuel Predicts products are not available in all jurisdictions.
- +Prediction markets within Gemini
- +Broad sports and event selection
- +Winning payouts credit automatically
Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. 18+ only. 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. Gemini products may not be available in all jurisdictions.
- +Built-in OG Alpha research assistant
- +Sports and event markets in one app
- +Research tools for live positions
Campaign period: Extended. The promotion expires seven days after account verification, and only events settled within this seven-day window are eligible. Each qualifying trade must be worth at least $10 and have a probability below 80%. Trades at or above 80% probability will not count. Trades are counted only after they have settled, and trades placed using rewards are not eligible.
- +Event contracts within Plus500 Futures
- +Access alongside traditional futures markets
- +Established derivatives trading platform
Terms & Conditions apply.
Latest prediction market updates
The major platforms have continued to expand on their tech partnerships and contract options for the prediction markets in September.
- Sept 13-15, 2026Kalshi sets NFL Week 1 volume records: Kalshi posted back-to-back daily volume records of $2.43-$2.46 billion during NFL Week 1, with combined sector volume across the industry reaching $14.1 billion for the week, up over 9% from the prior week.
- Sept 10, 2026Polymarket beefs up its C-suite: Polymarket brought on Warren Jenson as its first company-wide finance chief to oversee capital strategy as the company scales. The move follows August’s hire of former Uber growth exec Travis VanderZanden as chief growth officer alongside other new senior executives.
- Sept 1, 2026Polymarket raises $1 billion at $21 billion valuation: 1789 Capital, the venture firm where Donald Trump Jr. is a partner, is leading a $1 billion funding round for Polymarket that values the platform at $21 billion post-money, a 40% jump from its $15 billion valuation in April. 1789 Capital is contributing around $300 million to the round.
- August 30, 2026Kalshi becomes exclusive prediction market partner of the US Open: Kalshi signed a multi-year agreement with the United States Tennis Association. This gives Kalshi a presence across US Open digital platforms and on-court signage, alongside an integrity framework covering its tennis markets.
Our top prediction market app recommendations
The best prediction market apps stand out in different areas, from market selection and liquidity to sports trading, fees, promotions, and payout speed. You can quickly compare the top apps by feature below.
| Prediction market app | Best for | Markets | Payout speed | Sign-up bonus | Promo code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Market selection and liquidity | Sports, politics & elections, crypto, culture, finance & economics, commodities, climate & weather, technology | 0-3 business days | Get $35 Trading Bonus | PRED35 | |
| Politics and current events | Sports, politics & elections, crypto, culture, finance & economics, climate & weather, geopolitics, technology, mentions | 0-3 business days | Deposit $10 get a $50 trading bonus | PRED | |
| Sports trading | NFL, college football, MLB, NBA/WNBA, college basketball, NHL, golf, ATP/WTA, UFC/MMA | 0-2 business days | Deposit $10, get $25 | PRED | |
| Sports trading | MLB, NBA/WNBA, NFL, college football, college basketball, NHL, soccer, ATP/WTA, golf, UFC/MMA, F1, cricket, NASCAR, NWSL | 1-5 business days | Trade $50, get $75 | PRED | |
| Sports trading | NFL, college football, NBA, MLB | 1-3 business days | 50% deposit match up to $1,000 | PRED | |
| User-friendly platform | Sports, culture, finance & economics, crypto | 1-5 business days | Trade $5, get $100 | — | |
| Crypto traders | Sports, crypto, commodities, economics, politics & elections, technology, business, climate & weather, culture | 0-3 business days | 50% trade match up to $100 | — | |
| Research tools | Sports, crypto, economics, politics & elections, culture, climate & weather, business, other event markets | 1-5 business days | Trade $10, get $10 | — | |
| Futures traders | Event contracts (via Plus500 Futures platform, incl. Kalshi markets) | 1-3 business days | Trade $10, get $20 | — | |
| Ongoing rewards | Sports (MLB, NFL, NBA/WNBA, college football, UFC/MMA, F1, tennis, soccer, golf), crypto, politics & elections, culture, economics, business | 2-5 business days | Earn up to $500 in FanCash | — | |
| Combining team and player picks | Team picks; culture picks | 1-5 business days | Play $5, get $150 in bonus lineups if you win | — |
Kalshi is my favorite prediction market because it has the most trading volume. Higher volume typically means more buyers and sellers are active. This can lead to better liquidity and an easier time entering or exiting a position at a competitive price.
Aside from liquidity, Kalshi also boasts a wide selection of markets, including sports, politics, economics, and more.
Compare our top prediction market platforms
Let's compare the top prediction markets in more detail, outlining their main strengths, market focus and user feedback to see which best suit your needs.
1. Kalshi – best for market selection and liquidity
Kalshi is my favorite prediction market because of its combination of trading volume and market variety. Kalshi generated approximately $37.7 billion in trading volume in July 2026, compared with $12.9 billion from Polymarket. Better liquidity makes it much easier to enter and exit positions at fair prices.
Whether you're new to prediction markets or are an experienced trader, Kalshi offers the most well-rounded experience in the industry.
Why we like it
- ✓Industry-leading trading volume: Kalshi has the most volume among prediction markets. Greater liquidity is especially valuable on an exchange because you need other traders willing to buy or sell your contracts.
- ✓Thousands of markets: You can trade sports alongside politics, finance, economics, crypto, weather, climate, culture, and other real-world events. The broad selection makes Kalshi useful beyond traditional sports prediction apps.
- ✓Fast withdrawal options: Crypto withdrawals typically arrive within 30 minutes, while debit-card withdrawals generally reach your card within a few hours.
What we'd change
- –Kalshi's trading fees vary with contract price and can differ for specific market categories. This makes costs less straightforward than platforms using a simple flat commission.
User feedback
Kalshi has strong ratings at the App Store, scoring 4.8/5 across 478K reviews. Users praised the user-friendly app design.
"No question about it being the best. There is something for everyone, and if you can learn a niche or you are good at researching or are just lucky, then this is for you."
| Bonus | Get $35 Trading Bonus |
|---|---|
| Bonus Code | PRED35 |
| Key markets offered | Sports, elections/politics, finance, economics, crypto, commodities, weather/climate, culture, tech & science |
| Payout speed | Crypto: typically within 30 minutes; debit card: within a few hours; bank transfer: within a few business days |
| Trading fees | Variable. General taker fee = 0.07 x contracts x price x (1-price), subject to a market-specific multiplier; certain markets have separate fee schedules or maker fees. |
| Apple Store rating | 4.8/5 from approximately 473,000 ratings |
| Google Play rating | 4.7/5 from approximately 95,000 ratings |
| Legal status | KalshiEX is federally regulated by the CFTC as a Designated Contract Market (DCM), while its affiliate Kalshi Klear is a CFTC-registered Derivatives Clearing Organization (DCO). Availability can vary by jurisdiction. |
2. Polymarket – best for politics and current events
Polymarket is one of my top prediction market apps for trading politics and current events. The platform now offers markets covering elections, government policy, economics, sports, and other news outcomes, including extensive coverage of US 2026 midterms odds. Trading activity is also growing quickly, with Polymarket generating approximately $5 billion in trading volume in July 2026.
I especially like Polymarket for users who closely follow politics and breaking news because new markets can provide plenty of opportunities to trade on developing events.
Why we like it
- ✓Strong political and current-event markets: Polymarket offers extensive coverage of elections, government policy, geopolitics, and economics, including markets on the 2026 midterms, 2028 US presidential election predictions, and Federal Reserve decisions.
- ✓Growing trading activity: Polymarket generated approximately $5 billion in trading volume in July 2026. Higher activity can improve liquidity, making it easier to find buyers and sellers in popular markets.
- ✓Rewards liquidity providers: Polymarket rewards makers who add liquidity to its order book, while takers pay a price-dependent trading fee.
What we'd change
- –Polymarket uses a price-dependent taker fee rather than a simple flat commission. Fees are highest around 50-cent contracts and decrease as prices move closer to $0 or $1, which can make trading costs less intuitive for beginners.
User feedback
Polymarket has strong ratings, with 4.6/5 stars across 53K App Store reviews. Several users enjoyed how the app was easy to use.
"I have tried many crypto trading applications. Many are confusing and exhausting, but this app is simple. It offers statistics that are helpful for beginners."
| Bonus | Deposit $10 get a $50 trading bonus |
|---|---|
| Bonus Code | PRED |
| Key markets offered | Sports, politics, crypto, culture, finance, economics, climate/weather, geopolitics, technology and mentions |
| Payout speed | Debit/credit card and Apple Pay: instant; ACH bank transfer: 1-3 business days |
| Trading fees | Price-dependent taker fee: makers receive a price-dependent rebate |
| Apple Store rating | 4.6/5 from approximately 53,000 ratings |
| Google Play rating | 3.8/5 from approximately 9,320 reviews |
| Legal status | Polymarket is a CFTC-regulated Designated Contract Market (DCM), while Polymarket Clearing is a CFTC-registered Derivatives Clearing Organization (DCO). Availability can vary by jurisdiction. |
3. Novig – best for competitive sports pricing
Novig stands out for sports traders who care about pricing because all pregame straight trades on its app and website are currently without fees. Rather than accepting sportsbook odds, users can take an existing price or set their own price and wait for another trader to match it. With moneylines, spreads, totals, player props, futures, and live markets available, Novig is an appealing option for sports traders looking for competitive pricing.
Why we like it
- ✓Fee-free pregame straight trades: Novig currently charges no maker or taker fees on pregame straight trades placed through its app. Live taker trades and parlays use separate fee structures.
- ✓More control over pricing: You can accept an existing price or set your own price and wait for another trader to match it. Maker orders must use Novig's approved price increments, but this still gives users more control than simply accepting fixed sportsbook odds.
- ✓Strong sports market selection: Novig covers NFL predictions, college football, MLB, NBA/WNBA, college basketball, NHL, golf, tennis, and MMA, with moneylines, spreads, totals, player props, futures, and live trading available depending on the sport.
What we'd change
- –Novig remains focused on sports, so traders interested in politics, economics, crypto, weather and entertainment markets will find a broader event selection on platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket.
User feedback
Novig has strong ratings at the App Store, sitting at 4.6/5 across 3.9K reviews. One user talked about how it features an intuitive experience.
"Novig presents an innovative and refreshing approach, standing out for its ease of use and intuitive design."
| Bonus | Deposit $10, get $25 |
|---|---|
| Bonus Code | PRED |
| Key markets offered | Pro and college football, CFL, pro and college baseball, NBA/WNBA, college basketball, NHL, golf, tennis and MMA; moneylines, spreads, totals, player props, futures, and live markets |
| Payout speed | Withdrawals can often be processed within minutes when no manual review is required; manual reviews are typically completed within 24 hours but can take 24-48 hours, plus payment-provider processing time |
| Trading fees | Pregame straight trades: no maker or taker fees; live straight trades: no maker fee and a price-dependent taker fee; parlays use a separate price-dependent fee included in the quoted price |
| Apple Store rating | 4.6/5 from approximately 3,900 ratings |
| Google Play rating | 4.5/5 from approximately 890 reviews |
| Legal status | Ludlow Exchange, LLC d/b/a Novig is a CFTC-regulated Designated Contract Market (DCM). Novig is currently unavailable to users physically located in Arizona, Michigan, and Nevada. |
4. ProphetX – best for competitive sports pricing
ProphetX is one of my favorite prediction market platforms for sports because traders have more control over pricing. Instead of simply accepting sportsbook odds, you can trade at the current market price or set your own price and wait for another participant to match it. Straight trades are also charged just 2% of net gains per market, making ProphetX an appealing option for price-conscious sports traders.
Why we like it
- ✓More control over pricing: ProphetX lets you trade at the current market price or set your own price and wait for another participant to match it. This gives sports traders more control over the price they receive.
- ✓Competitive trading fees: Straight trades are charged 2% of net gains per market, meaning the fee applies when your net gains in that market are positive. Parlays use a separate fee schedule.
- ✓Built specifically for sports: ProphetX offers moneylines, spreads, totals, and player props across major sports, with positions that can be bought or sold before settlement.
What we'd change
- –ProphetX is heavily focused on sports, so traders looking for politics, economics, crypto, weather and other non-sports prediction markets will find more variety on other platforms.
User feedback
ProphetX has excellent ratings at the App Store, scoring 4.8/5 across 3.2K reviews. One user highlighted the favorable pricing you can get at ProphetX.
"It's truly a game-changer. The biggest draw is getting the best prices available."
| Bonus | Trade $50, get $75 |
|---|---|
| Bonus Code | PRED |
| Key markets offered | Sports, including NFL, NBA/WNBA, MLB, NHL, college football and basketball, soccer, tennis, golf, UFC/MMA, boxing, F1, NASCAR, cricket and esports; moneylines, spreads, totals, player markets, live markets, and parlays |
| Payout speed | Most withdrawals are processed by ProphetX within 12 hours; Aeropay can be instant depending on the bank, while funds can take up to 3-5 business days to appear in a bank account |
| Trading fees | Straight trades: 2% of net gains per market; parlays use a separate fee schedule |
| Apple Store rating | 4.8/5 from approximately 3,200 ratings |
| Google Play rating | 4.4/5 from approximately 700 reviews |
| Legal status | ProphetX LLC is a CFTC-regulated Designated Contract Market (DCM) and registered Derivatives Clearing Organization (DCO). |
5. Underdog – best for sports trading
Underdog is one of my top choices for sports fans because prediction markets are built directly into the same app as its established fantasy products. It supports pregame, in-game, and multi-event sports contracts. This focus on sports makes Underdog particularly appealing to users who primarily want to trade on games and other sports outcomes.
Why we like it
- ✓Sports-first experience: Underdog offers Prediction Picks across major sports including the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, college football and basketball, soccer, WNBA, MMA, esports and tennis, although availability varies.
- ✓Fantasy and predictions together: Prediction Picks live in the same app and account as Underdog's fantasy contests, so users can switch between the two without a separate signup.
- ✓Flexible sports contracts: Users can trade outcomes such as game winners, spreads, and totals, with pregame, in-game, and multi-event contracts available.
What we'd change
- –Standard Underdog Bonus Funds cannot be used directly on Prediction Picks, and availability varies by state.
User feedback
Underdog Predictions is integrated with its other offerings on the same app. It currently has a 4.8/5 rating across 316K reviews on the App Store.
"Love the quick payout action", with users noting smooth financial transactions.
| Bonus | 50% deposit match up to $1,000 |
|---|---|
| Bonus Code | PRED |
| Key markets offered | NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, college football, college basketball, soccer, WNBA, MMA, esports, tennis and futures; game winners, spreads, totals, and selected player markets |
| Payout speed | Prediction Pick payouts may take up to 24 hours after market settlement; cash withdrawals are typically processed within 48-72 hours, plus payment-provider processing time |
| Trading fees | Additional trading fees may apply and depend on the contract; applicable contract-specific terms and fees are shown with the trade |
| Apple Store rating | 4.8/5 from approximately 316,000 ratings |
| Google Play rating | 4.6/5 from approximately 32,000 reviews |
| Legal status | Underdog Predict is a CFTC-registered Futures Commission Merchant (FCM). Prediction Picks are available only in eligible states. |
6. FanDuel Predicts – best for a user-friendly interface
FanDuel Predicts is one of my top choices for beginners because it has a user-friendly interface that most are familiar with, since FanDuel has been an industry leader for a number of years. The platform covers sports, culture, financials, crypto, and economic events while providing easy-to-use guides explaining how prediction markets work. Its straightforward format makes FanDuel Predicts an approachable option for users who are new to event-contract trading.
7. Gemini Predictions – best for crypto traders
Gemini Predictions is a strong option for users who already trade crypto and want prediction markets within the same platform. The product covers sports, crypto, commodities, economics, politics, technology, business, weather, and culture, while winning payouts are automatically added to the user's Gemini account after settlement. This makes Gemini particularly convenient for crypto-focused traders who also want access to event contracts.
| Bonus | 50% trade match up to $100 |
|---|---|
| Bonus Code | — |
| Key markets offered | Sports, crypto, commodities, economics, politics & elections, technology, business, climate & weather, culture |
| Payout speed | 0-3 business days |
| Trading fees | Price-dependent maker and taker fees using 0.0175 and 0.07 rates, respectively; no settlement fee |
| Apple Store rating | 4.8/5 |
| Legal status | Gemini Titan, LLC is a CFTC-regulated DCM; affiliate Gemini Olympus, LLC is a CFTC-registered DCO |
8. OG.com – best for research tools
OG.com stands out for OG Alpha, an AI assistant built directly into the app to help users research live markets, understand contract pricing, and review their existing positions. The platform also covers sports, politics, economics, crypto, technology, culture, and climate. I like OG.com for users who want built-in research tools alongside the standard prediction-market trading experience.
9. Plus500 – best for futures traders
Plus500 is a strong prediction market option for users who already have experience trading futures or other financial products. Prediction markets are integrated into the Plus500 Futures platform, providing access to regulated event contracts alongside traditional futures markets. This makes Plus500 particularly appealing to traders who prefer accessing prediction markets through an established derivatives trading platform rather than a standalone prediction app.
10. Fanatics Markets – best for ongoing rewards
Fanatics Markets stands out for its rewards program and broad event selection. Eligible users can earn FanCash as they trade, whether a position wins or loses, and use those rewards on future trades or elsewhere in the Fanatics ecosystem. The platform also covers sports, crypto, politics, culture, and economics, making it a strong option for users who want variety alongside ongoing rewards.
11. PrizePicks – best for combining team and player picks
PrizePicks stands out because eligible users can combine one Team Pick with 2-5 Player Picks in the same Power Play lineup. Team Picks cover game winners, spreads, and totals. There are separate Culture Picks that expand the platform into politics, crypto, music, movies, and other real-world topics. That makes PrizePicks a strong option for users who already enjoy its fantasy-style Player Picks experience.
What are prediction markets?
Prediction markets let users trade contracts based on the outcome of a future event. Most use Yes/No contracts, with prices moving according to market sentiment instead of fixed odds set by a sportsbook.
For example, if a contract on the Yankees beating the Blue Jays trades at $0.60, the market is implying roughly a 60% chance of that outcome. If the prediction is correct, the contract settles at $1.
Prediction market apps act as exchanges, connecting buyers and sellers. They allow users to enter or exit positions before settlement. Popular markets include sports, elections, economics, crypto, weather, entertainment, and other real-world events. The best prediction market platforms stand out through strong liquidity, competitive pricing, broad market selection, and clear settlement rules.
How do prediction market apps work?
Prediction market apps facilitate trading by matching buyers and sellers rather than having users bet against a sportsbook. This makes liquidity important, as more active markets make it easier to enter or exit a position at a competitive price.
Contract prices also indicate the market's implied probability. For example, a Yes contract trading at $0.70 suggests the market sees roughly a 70% chance of that outcome occurring.
What does a Yes contract cost?
Imagine a contract on the Yankees beating the Blue Jays. Move the price to see how the cost and potential return change.
- Cost for 10 contracts
- $6.00
- Payout if Yes wins
- $10.00
- Profit if Yes wins
- $4.00
If No wins, the payout is $0 and you lose the amount paid. This example excludes fees.
Explore current prediction markets →Prices continually change based on supply, demand, trading activity, and new information. Many prediction apps display bids, asks, volume, and price history, giving users greater visibility into how contracts are being valued than traditional sportsbook odds.
Traders can often sell positions before an event ends. Once the outcome is known, the platform resolves the contract according to its published rules and designated settlement source.
List of prediction markets
Prediction market apps now let you trade on almost anything, from sports and elections to Bitcoin prices, company performance, and weather. Most leading prediction platforms also highlight trending markets so you can quickly see which events are attracting the most activity. In general, the best prediction markets to trade are those you understand well and have researched before taking a position.
Sports
Sports are among the most popular prediction market categories. You can trade contracts tied to NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and college sports, including game winners, point spreads, totals, and futures. Some platforms also offer markets on championships, player awards, and other season-long outcomes.
Politics
Political prediction markets cover major elections odds and government events. Common options include presidential races, midterm elections, individual congressional contests, government shutdowns, legislation, and key votes. These markets can react quickly to polling, debates, endorsements, economic data, and breaking political news.
Crypto
The crypto prediction markets let you trade on future cryptocurrency prices and market movements. Bitcoin and Ethereum are the most common assets, with contracts based on whether a coin will reach a specific price by a certain date, finish above or below a particular level, or experience a major market move.
Economics
Economic markets focus on data and decisions that can influence financial markets. Popular contracts include Federal Reserve interest-rate decisions, inflation readings, GDP growth, and unemployment figures. These markets can be useful for traders who closely follow economic reports and monetary policy.
Entertainment
Entertainment prediction markets cover outcomes across television, music, movies, and celebrity culture. You may find contracts on award winners, Netflix rankings, music charts, reality show results, and major celebrity events. These markets tend to be driven by public interest, industry reporting, and audience trends.
Weather and other events
Prediction platforms also offer markets on weather, technology, and business events. Weather contracts can include temperature records, snowfall, hurricanes, climate events, and seasonal forecasts. Other markets may cover company earnings, mergers and acquisitions, executive changes, SpaceX launches, AI releases, product launches, and other major developments.
How to choose the best prediction apps: our ratings criteria
We rate prediction market apps on the features that have the biggest impact on trading, including liquidity, market selection, fees, payouts, and usability. Liquidity deserves extra weight because prediction markets depend on active buyers and sellers to produce competitive prices and smoother trading. The best prediction apps combine deep markets with transparent costs, reliable settlement, fast payments, and a consistently strong overall user experience.
Market types and liquidity
We look for platforms with a broad selection of contracts and enough trading activity to support competitive pricing. Kalshi stands out for offering markets across sports, politics, economics, crypto, culture, and more. Strong liquidity can create deeper order books, tighter bid-ask spreads, and more opportunities to enter or exit positions efficiently. Kalshi stands out in this regard as well.
Pricing, fees and spreads
Trading costs can have a major impact on overall value. We compare transaction fees, maker and taker charges, and bid-ask spreads while checking how clearly each platform explains its pricing. Novig currently charges no maker or taker fees on pregame straight trades, while ProphetX charges 2% of net gains on straight markets.
Funding ease and payout speed
We consider deposit methods, verification requirements, withdrawal restrictions, and processing times. The best apps support convenient banking options without unnecessary delays. Kalshi offers ACH, debit cards, PayPal, Venmo, crypto, and wires for eligible US users. Crypto withdrawals typically arrive within 30 minutes after eligible crypto funding, while debit-card withdrawals generally arrive within a few hours.
Contract clarity and settlement process
Every contract should clearly state what must happen for it to settle Yes or No. We evaluate settlement rules and how quickly payouts are credited. Clear resolution criteria are especially important for elections, economic data, weather, and other markets where specific wording can determine the outcome.
Security, regulation and licensing
We prioritize platforms operating within the US federal derivatives framework. The exchanges behind Kalshi, Polymarket US, ProphetX, and Novig are CFTC-designated DCMs, and we check the registration status of every platform we list. We also consider identity verification and account security.
User experience
We test desktop and mobile usability, registration, placing and managing trades, market search, portfolio tools, and customer support. FanDuel Predicts stands out for its beginner-focused educational guides, while OG.com differentiates itself with OG Alpha, an AI assistant designed to help users research markets and understand their positions.
Bonuses and promos
We compare welcome offers, trading credits, referral rewards, and ongoing promotions based on their overall value and usability. We also check minimum deposits or trades, expiration dates, withdrawal restrictions, and other terms. A large headline bonus is less valuable if the credits are difficult to use or expire quickly.
How to sign up with prediction market apps
- Choose a prediction market appConsider which platform is best based on liquidity, markets, fees, payouts, regulation, and available promotions.
- Create an accountEnter your email address and the personal information required by the platform.
- Verify your identityComplete the platform's identity checks. You may need to provide your legal name, date of birth, address, Social Security information, or photo ID.
- Claim a welcome offerOpt in or enter a promo code if required. Always check the qualifying deposit or trading requirements before participating.
- Add fundsSelect an available payment method, which may include ACH, debit card, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, wire transfer, or crypto.
- Find a marketBrowse sports, politics, economics, crypto, culture, weather, or other available categories.
- Choose your positionReview the contract rules and price before buying Yes or No. Some exchanges also let you set your preferred price.
- Manage your tradeMonitor price changes and, where available, sell your contracts before the market closes.
- Wait for settlementThe platform resolves the contract using the official source specified in its rules. Winning binary contracts pay $1 each.
- Withdraw your fundsRequest your available cash balance using an eligible withdrawal method. Processing times depend on the platform and payment method.
How sports trading works in prediction markets
Sports prediction markets work differently from traditional sportsbooks. Instead of placing a wager at bookmaker-set odds, users trade Yes/No contracts through an exchange. Contract prices are driven by supply, demand and trading activity, and can change as new information emerges. Sports prediction apps typically offer game winners, spreads, totals, player outcomes and futures, with users often able to buy or sell positions before settlement.
What to expect
- ▸Exchange-style trading: Sports prediction markets usually use Yes/No contracts rather than traditional sportsbook odds.
- ▸Prices reflect probability: Contracts typically trade from $0.01 to $0.99. A Kansas City Chiefs Yes contract at $0.65 implies roughly a 65% market probability.
- ▸Multiple sports markets: You may find game winners, spreads, totals, player props, futures, and multi-event combinations.
- ▸Trade before settlement: Depending on the platform and market, you can buy more, sell, or exit a position before the event resolves.
- ▸Prices move constantly: Injuries, lineup news, and game developments can quickly change contract prices.
Prediction market apps vs traditional sportsbooks
Markets
Sportsbooks generally offer more bet types within individual games, including alternate lines, props, and same-game parlays. Prediction apps may offer fewer options per event but typically cover a wider range of markets beyond sports, including politics, economics, crypto, weather, culture, and technology.
Odds
Sportsbooks set and adjust odds while incorporating a bookmaker margin. Prediction-market prices are primarily determined by buying and selling activity, with contract prices reflecting the market's implied probability.
Transparency
Prediction exchanges often display bids, asks, volume, price history, and order-book depth, giving traders insight into how prices are formed. Sportsbooks generally display the available odds without the same exchange-style order-book data.
Regulation
Legal sportsbooks are primarily regulated under state or tribal gaming laws. Federally regulated prediction-market exchanges operate under commodities and derivatives law and are overseen by the CFTC.
Fees, spreads, and liquidity on prediction market apps
Trading costs can vary significantly between prediction market apps, so it is important to look beyond the price of a contract. We evaluate trading fees, bid-ask spreads, and liquidity to understand the overall cost of trading. Highly liquid markets generally support tighter spreads, while costs can also depend on the platform, contract price, market type, and funding or withdrawal method.
Prediction trading fees
Prediction market fee structures vary considerably. Some platforms charge a fixed fee per contract, while others use price-dependent maker and taker fees, charge a percentage of trading profits, or incorporate certain costs into quoted prices. Some trades may also be fee-free.
Your total cost can depend on the contract price, market type, whether you enter and exit before settlement, and payment-related fees. The bid-ask spread can also create an indirect trading cost. For example, Kalshi uses a price-dependent fee formula, while Polymarket charges a price-dependent taker fee and offers maker rebates. ProphetX charges 2% of net gains on straight markets.
| Prediction market app | Fee structure |
|---|---|
| Variable, price-dependent trading fees; some markets also have maker fees or separate fee schedules | |
| Price-dependent taker fee using a 0.06 coefficient; makers receive price-dependent rebates using a 0.0125 coefficient | |
| Pregame straight trades have no fees; live takers and parlays pay price-dependent fees; maker fills are fee-free | |
| 2% of net gains on straight markets; parlays use a separate fee schedule | |
| Trading fees may apply and can vary by contract; applicable fees are displayed before trading | |
| 2% transaction fee based on potential payout; 2% also applies when cashing out early | |
| Price-dependent maker and taker fees using 0.0175 and 0.07 rates, respectively; no settlement fee | |
| Underlying exchange charges $0 maker fees and $0.01-0.0175 per-contract taker fees; no settlement fee | |
| $0.01 commission per contract, plus a $0.01 exchange fee | |
| Price-dependent trading fee ranging from $0.0034 to $0.0275 per contract | |
| $0.005-0.02 service fee per Team or Culture Pick contract when buying or selling; no service fee at settlement |
How the bid-ask spread impacts price
The bid-ask spread is the difference between the highest price a buyer will pay and the lowest price a seller will accept. A wider spread can increase trading costs, especially if you want to exit a position early and must accept a less favorable price to sell quickly.
Tighter spreads often indicate stronger liquidity and more agreement around a contract's market value. This can make it easier to enter and exit positions without giving up as much value. When comparing prediction markets, look for active markets with good order-book depth and relatively narrow bid-ask spreads.
Liquidity in prediction markets
Liquidity refers to the amount of money, trading activity, and participation in a market. A liquid prediction market has more active buyers and sellers, making it easier to enter or exit a position without significantly moving the price.
Higher liquidity often leads to tighter bid-ask spreads and more efficient pricing because there is more competition on both sides of the market. This can help contract prices better reflect the market's current view of an outcome's probability.
Low-liquidity markets can have wider spreads, fewer available orders, and greater price slippage. Strong liquidity therefore makes trading easier and can reduce the cost of buying or selling positions.
Are prediction markets and apps legal?
Prediction markets can be legal in the US, but availability depends on the platform, contract type, and your location. Federally regulated event contracts are overseen by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), while some states have challenged or restricted certain prediction-market products.
The legal status of individual apps can also differ depending on whether they operate an exchange or provide access through a registered intermediary. Before signing up, check the platform's current eligibility rules and whether the specific contracts you want to trade are available where you live.
| Prediction market app | Legal states | Regulatory status |
|---|---|---|
| 41 states + DC; currently unavailable in AZ, IL, MD, MA, MI, MT, NV, OH and WA | KalshiEX is a CFTC-regulated Designated Contract Market (DCM); Kalshi Klear is a CFTC-registered Derivatives Clearing Organization (DCO) | |
| 42 states + DC; currently unavailable in AZ, IL, MD, MA, MI, MT, NV and OH | QCX LLC d/b/a Polymarket US is a CFTC-regulated DCM; QC Clearing LLC d/b/a Polymarket Clearing is a CFTC-registered DCO | |
| Nationwide except AZ, MI, and NV | Ludlow Exchange, LLC d/b/a Novig is a CFTC-regulated DCM | |
| Nationwide except NV | ProphetX LLC is a CFTC-regulated DCM and registered DCO | |
| 38 states + DC; unavailable in AZ, CO, KY, MD, MA, MI, MS, NV, NJ, OH, PA and TN | UDM, LLC d/b/a Underdog Predict is a CFTC-registered FCM. | |
| Financial and economic contracts available in all 50 states; sports and entertainment availability varies by state | FanDuel Prediction Markets LLC is a CFTC-registered FCM and NFA member; contracts are listed on CFTC-regulated exchanges | |
| Available in all 50 states; individual market availability can vary | Gemini Titan, LLC is a CFTC-regulated DCM; affiliate Gemini Olympus, LLC is a CFTC-registered DCO | |
| Available for non-sports markets in all states except AZ and NY; sports also unavailable in IL, MD, MA, MI, NV, NJ and OH | North American Derivatives Exchange, Inc., which operates OG Prediction Markets/CDNA, is a CFTC-regulated DCM and registered DCO | |
| Availability varies by location and the underlying exchange/contract | Plus500US Financial Services LLC is a CFTC-registered FCM and NFA member; prediction contracts are offered through CFTC-regulated exchanges | |
| 23 states: AL, AK, CA, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, ME, MN, MS, NE, NH, NM, ND, OK, OR, RI, SC, SD, TX, UT and WA | Paragon Global Markets, LLC d/b/a Fanatics Markets IB is a CFTC-registered Introducing Broker and NFA member; contracts are listed and cleared by CDNA | |
| Prediction-market Team/Culture Picks available in most states; event contracts unavailable in AZ and NV, with Team Pick availability varying further by state | Performance Predictions II, LLC d/b/a PrizePicks Predict is a CFTC-registered FCM and NFA member |