Best Prediction Market Apps: How to Trade on Sports, Politics & Culture

by Johnny Covers (jcovers) Last Updated 2025-12-02T14:23:58
✅ Fact checked by Virginia Gandolfo

Prediction market apps are all the rage these days, with seemingly everyone and their mother hopping on the trend. These CFTC-regulated platforms offer an alternative to traditional sportsbooks, as they allow you to trade yes/no contracts on everything from the presidential election to Sunday NFL games.

RotoGrinders is taking a look at the best prediction market apps so you can start trading today. See how big names like Kalshi and Polymarket stack up against other contenders entering the market.

TL;DR

• Kalshi is the top regulated pick, with CFTC oversight, event contracts in 43 states plus D.C., and the deepest board of markets.
• Polymarket, Crypto.com, and PrizePicks Predict sit in the next tier, with Polymarket as the main crypto-first option and Crypto.com strong in non-sports and a few sports markets.
• DraftKings Predictions and FanDuel Predict are the big upcoming products.
• Social prediction markets like Novig and Verse Picks are also available.
• You’re trading yes/no event contracts at crowd-set prices, not house odds, so start small, check legal states and fees, and treat every position like real-money risk, not a guaranteed edge.

The Best Prediction Market Apps Today

Prediction markets have exploded over the last couple of years, and a lot of regular bettors have started treating them like stock-style betting markets. With them, you’re buying contracts when you think the market price is off and selling out when your read looks right.

These platforms post real-time prices that work a lot like odds, and they let traders go beyond traditional sports wagers on spreads and totals. You’ll see markets on politics,, cultural events, financial indicators, and other real-world events. Among the best prediction market sites and apps, Kalshi is the clear leader right now, with Polymarket close behind and a few new platforms lining up launches.

Across all active markets, trading volume has already cleared the $10 billion mark. With that much money cycling through event outcomes, it’s not surprising to see DFS players and sports bettors treat prediction apps as just another place to express an opinion.

Kalshi: The Best Prediction Market App

Kalshi wins as the undisputed best prediction market app available in 2025. A big reason is its landmark ruling from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, which made Kalshi the first fully regulated prediction market platform in the U.S. for event contracts. Launched in 2021, Kalshi now handles more than 60% of global prediction market volumer, which makes it the default leader in market share.

Industry analysts give a lot of credit to how quickly Kalshi got its mobile app into people’s hands. Trading yes/no contracts on election markets or an NFL game feels quick and familiar, even if you are coming over from traditional sportsbooks. Kalshi helped normalize event trading during the 2024 election betting cycle, pulling in more than 2 million users who wanted a sharper read on politics than polls were giving them. An exclusive partnership with Robinhood has also helped expand that footprint.

The platform itself is easy to pick up if you are new, and it has enough depth for traders who care about data. An API-driven analytics setup, real-time charts, and a wide slate of markets on politics, sports, economics, and more give you plenty of ways to build and adjust positions as events move. Available in 43 states plus Washington, D.C., and operating as a regulated exchange under the CFTC, Kalshi combines broad access with strong oversight and real tools for trading news in real time.

When you’re ready to trade, check the current welcome bonus and make sure you understand how event contracts settle and what your maximum risk is on each position.

Polymarket

Polymarket accounts also took off around the 2024 election, with more than $3.5 billion in trading volume on that market alone. It’s the go-to prediction market platform for crypto-focused users, since the site uses a decentralized model and settles markets in crypto.

Like Kalshi, Polymarket built a reputation for posting odds on the 2024 presidential election that looked closer to the outcome than many traditional sportsbooks and pollsters. That has drawn in traders who care about accurate predictions on politics and other current events, not just action for its own sake. Backers include well-known tech investors like Peter Thiel. Polymarket’s valuation has climbed to around $9 billion as it pushes traditional prediction markets in a more global, on-chain direction.

Polymarket is not technically legal in the U.S. just yet, but it’s moving that way. The platform is seeking the same CFTC approval Kalshi has, helped by its acquisition of QCEX, a fully licensed exchange. With beta testing for U.S. traders starting this month, Polymarket is on track to join the list of prediction market apps legal for regulated event trading once its approval process is finished.

Crypto.com

Crypto.com stepped into the prediction markets space in 2024, launching its prediction markets arm through its Nadex subsidiary. The focus is on hardcore sports fans who want yes/no contracts on the NFL, NBA, NHL, and European soccer, along with some financial, political, and cultural markets.

Now legal in most states for its event trading product, Crypto.com offers the same kind of dynamic market price movement in prediction markets that users know from its core crypto platform.

DraftKings Predictions

DraftKings Predictions isn’t live yet, but we expect it to rank among the top prediction apps. The company is targeting an early 2026 go-live after acquiring Railbird, a CFTC-licensed exchange that will sit at the heart of its event contracts product.

The pitch is pretty simple. DraftKings wants to target big non-traditional sportsbook states like California, Florida, and Texas first, then layer prediction markets on top of an existing base of more than 20 million users across DFS and sports betting. When that kind of audience gets access to real money prediction markets inside a brand they already use, liquidity shouldn’t be an issue.

CEO Jason Robins has talked publicly about using a federally regulated exchange model to sidestep some of the state laws that slow down sports betting. Thanks to a partnership with Polymarket, DraftKings Predictions should benefit from shared liquidity and better pricing on certain contracts from day one.

PrizePicks Predict

PrizePicks Predict launched via a partnership with Kalshi and is already live in 38 states plus D.C., with sports markets available in 15 of those states. It’s the first pure DFS operator to go live with prediction markets, plugging team event contracts directly into its familiar prop layout and adding pop culture to the mix.

PrizePicks is now valued at roughly $2.5 billion following its deal with Allwyn, and the Predict product is positioned as a way to offer more accurate predictions and no-vig style edges that you don’t always see in core fantasy contests. For the usual PrizePicks users, it means you can stick with the same brand and still get access to binary contracts on team outcomes, cultural events, and other markets without learning a totally new interface.

FanDuel Predict

FanDuel Predict is FanDuel’s entry into the prediction markets wave. It’s scheduled to launch soon through a joint venture with CME Group, starting with a rotating mix of hourly micro-bets and other short-term contracts.

The first focus is on large non-sportsbook states where FanDuel’s regular sports betting app is not live yet. That helps the platform expand on an existing audience of more than 12 million users who already trust the brand for DFS or sports betting. FanDuel has said it views event contracts as a complement to its sportsbook and DFS arms, not a replacement, and it’s leaning on zero-commission trades as a selling point.

Prediction contracts are slated to pop up in mid-December, with FanDuel Predict integrated into the FanDuel ecosystem so that prices and odds can be compared between the prediction app and the main sportsbook once everything is fully live.

Novig

Novig markets itself as “America’s #1 sports prediction market.” It’s a bit of a unique prediction app, as it runs on a sweepstakes model rather than adhering to CFTC regulations.

The dual-currency nature of Novig lets users play with either Novig Coins for fun or Novig Cash for a chance to win real-money prizes.

Novig focuses exclusively on sports predictions, but it may expand in to offer more markets like the social exchange Verse Picks.

Prediction Market Apps Signup Process

Opening an account at the top prediction market sites looks a lot like signing up for any other platform. The flow is usually:

1. Download the app or visit the site: Use our links to go to the prediction market app or website.
2. Verify eligibility: Confirm you meet the age requirement in your state (usually 18 or 21) and pass a quick location check so the platform knows prediction markets operate legally where you are.
3. Create your account: Register with your email, phone number, and legal name. Some platforms also ask for the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify identity before deposits are allowed.
4. Deposit funds: Add money via bank transfer, ACH, debit card, or, on some platforms, crypto. Check limits and processing times in the cashier before you move a larger amount.
5. Browse and buy contracts: Once you’re funded, you can buy contracts on event outcomes in politics, sports events, economics, and other current events. Prices move based on what other users are willing to pay, and you can close positions early if you want to lock in profit or cut risk before settlement.

How Prediction Markets Work and How They’re Regulated in the U.S.

In the U.S., regulated prediction market platforms list most products as “event contracts” under the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. The CFTC treats these as derivatives tied to future event outcomes, not as standard sports betting, even when the topic is a game or awards market.

Platforms like Kalshi operate as designated contract markets, so they follow federal rules on how contracts are listed, how trading is monitored, and how customer money is handled. Prices are driven by traders on the marketplace rather than by odds a sportsbook sets on its own board.

Availability still depends on what you want to trade and where you live:

• Non-sports markets: Political outcomes, inflation prints, Fed moves, and pop culture contracts can be listed nationwide by federally supervised platforms, though each company may still exclude certain states based on its compliance view.
• Sports in restricted states: States like AZ, IL, MD, MI, MT, NJ, and OH have pushed back on sports-style event contracts, so users there are usually blocked from sports markets even if non-sports contracts are open.
• Sports in other states: In the remaining 43 states plus D.C., regulated exchanges can list sports-related contracts, with details shaped by ongoing CFTC guidance and how state regulators choose to treat these products over time.

How Prediction Apps and Sportsbooks Differ

Prediction sites and traditional sportsbooks usually track the same games or headlines, but the mechanics are different.

On prediction platforms, you trade against other users at a live market price. If you think the crowd is low on an outcome, you buy contracts; if you think it’s rich, you sell or pass. You can also exit early if the price moves your way and you prefer to lock in profit or cut risk before the event settles.

Traditional sportsbooks post lines and totals themselves and build their edge straight into the odds. You place a bet and ride it out. There’s no order book and no way to see how other users are positioning.

Some prediction markets also cover more than just sports. They run information markets on politics, economic data, and other real-world events alongside sporting events. Most platforms charge small trading or settlement fees on contracts instead of baking a house edge into every wager, and those fees are spelled out in the rules so you know what you are paying.

Popular Contract Types on Prediction Markets

On prediction market platforms, you’re trading binary yes/no contracts on real-world events. The contract price is basically the market’s probability estimate. For example, a $0.59 “Yes” line implies about a 59% chance that the outcome hits.

Politics

Political outcome contracts have dominated the last two years. The Trump-Harris market on Polymarket accounts alone topped $3.5 billion in trading volume. Kalshi runs its own expanded politics slate, with contracts on electoral decisions, control of Congress, the government shutdown, and midterm outcomes.

Sports

Sports event trading works well on prediction markets, with contracts on everything from NFL games to golf. Most platforms are also adding more niche sporting events like tennis and esports, which keep the board busy for users who follow sports beyond the main leagues.

Trending News

Trending news markets focus on questions like “Will a hurricane hit Florida this year?” or other climate and headline-driven outcomes. As interest has grown and more climate milestones make news, state regulators have allowed additional trending news markets on certain platforms.

Pop Culture

Pop culture contracts now cover everything from the Oscars to major releases. Traders have ran to Taylor Swift markets in particular, with contracts tied to tours, awards, and releases as the craze runs into 2026.

Economics

Economic indicators are another core bucket of information markets. Typical contracts ask things like “Will the Fed cut rates by EOY?” or whether inflation will beat forecasts. You can also take positions on milestones in individual stocks or indexes, which turns big macro dates into tradeable events instead of just headlines you read after the fact.

Pros and Cons of the Top Prediction Market Platforms

For the main prediction market platforms we covered, here are the quick strengths and tradeoffs:

Responsible Trading on Prediction Market Sites

Prediction markets feel like a mix of betting and trading, but the core truth is the same as any real money product: there is risk on every position. A contract price is just the crowd’s read on an outcome, and that crowd can be very wrong.

Most regulated platforms, including Kalshi, give you responsible gambling tools to keep things in check. You can review your full trade history, cap deposits, set time limits, or request self-exclusion if you need a break. Use them. They are there for a reason.

If you feel like you are chasing losses or tilting into bigger wagers than you planned, step away and talk to someone. National hotlines like 1-800-GAMBLER and local services can help if trading starts to feel out of control.

Best Prediction Market Apps FAQs

What Are the Best Prediction Market Apps?

Kalshi is the clear leader among regulated prediction market platforms right now. After that, most traders look at Polymarket, Crypto.com, and then newer products like PrizePicks Predict, DraftKings Predictions, and FanDuel Predict as they roll out.

What Is the Best Prediction Market App To Use?

For most U.S. users, Kalshi is the best prediction market app to start with. It’s regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, offers event contracts in 43 states plus D.C. Sign up today using code GRINDERS for Trade on Sports & Politics – Get a $10 Bonus with Our Code!

Are Prediction Markets Legal in the U.S.?

Yes. On regulated prediction market sites, most products run as CFTC-supervised event contracts instead of traditional sports betting. Non-sports markets are widely offered where a company is approved, while sports contracts are restricted in some states based on local laws and how state regulators view these products. Availabilty may vary by state and app.

What Can I Trade on the Top Prediction Market Apps?

You can buy contracts on a wide range of event outcomes, including politics, sporting events, trending news, pop culture, economic releases, and other real-world events. Prices move based on what other users are willing to pay or accept for each contract.