Last updated: April 22, 2026 | Last verified: April 22, 2026
Our Top Prediction Market Apps
I’ve had active accounts on three prediction market platforms since January 2026 and have been monitoring most of the lot that’s now live in the U.S. Some I check daily while others I’ve opened, tested a bit, and largely moved on from. The prediction market landscape has changed drastically since I first signed up for Kalshi in late 2024, and the field of options keeps growing. (Eventually, it will consolidate.)
If you want one answer: Kalshi is the best all-around prediction market for most U.S. users right now. It has the widest market selection, the most liquidity on sports, and is available in all 50 states. But “best” depends on what you’re looking for. Polymarket has a faster app and lower fees, if you can get past the waitlist. DraftKings Predictions will feel instantly familiar if you already bet on sports, especially on DraftKings. And newer entrants like Fanatics Markets and Novig (sweepstakes model for now) are carving out niches as well.
This page breaks down most major prediction market platforms available in the U.S. as of April 2026, with specific comparisons on fees, markets, accessibility, and other considerations.
📊 Platform comparison
Kalshi dominates on market breadth and accessibility. Polymarket wins on fees and speed but remains gated behind a waitlist. The newer entrants (DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel) trade market depth for brand familiarity and easier onboarding for sports bettors. Here’s how the major platforms stack up:
| Platform | 💰 Welcome Bonus | 📊 Fee Model | 🌎 U.S. Availability | 🏈 Sports Markets | 💳 Deposit Methods | 🔞 Min. Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kalshi | $10 bonus (code INGAMEPRO) | 7% taker / 1.75% maker | 49 states (not NV)+ DC | Win/loss, spreads, totals, parlays, futures | Debit, bank, wire, crypto, Apple/Google Pay | 18+ |
| Polymarket | Deposit $20, Get $20 (code INGAME) | 5% taker / 1.25% maker rebate | Invite-only beta (1M+ waitlist) | Win/loss, spreads, totals, futures | Card, bank, USDC (U.S.); crypto wallet (intl.) | 18+ |
| DraftKings Predictions | Trade $5, Get $50 Prediction Dollars | Varies by market | ~38 states | Sports + finance (expanding) | Standard DraftKings methods | 18+ |
| Crypto.com | Deposit match up to $50 | Varies by contract | 49 states (not NY) | Wide selection via Underdog partnership | Bank, debit, Apple/Google Pay | 18+ |
| Fanatics Markets | Bet $30, Get $300 FanCash | Varies by contract | 24 states + 4 territories | Sports, politics, economics, culture | Standard payment methods | 18+ |
| Robinhood | None currently | $0.01/trade | All 50 states, but no sports in MD, NJ, NV | Limited (football, baseball, basketball) | Bank transfers, debit | 18+ |
⭐ Kalshi
| 💰 Welcome Bonus | $10 Trading Bonus |
| 🎟️ Promo Code | INGAMEPRO |
| 📊 Fee Structure | 7% taker coefficient / 1.75% maker coefficient |
| 🌎 U.S. Availability | 49 states + DC (active litigation in several; see state-by-state guide) |
| 🏈 Sports Markets | NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, soccer, tennis, golf, MMA, boxing, plus niche sports |
| 💳 Deposit Methods | Debit card, bank transfer (ACH), wire, crypto, Apple Pay, Google Pay |
| 🔞 Min. Age | 18+ |
| 📞 Support | Email, Discord, social media |
Kalshi is the prediction market that (looking at the sports markets at least) most closely resembles a regulated sportsbook, and it’s the one I recommend right now to anyone getting started. It’s CFTC-regulated, available nationwide, and handles all deposits, withdrawals, and contract settlement in-house. No crypto wallet required. No waitlist. You can sign up, deposit $1, and start trading within minutes.
I’ve been using Kalshi since early 2025, and the platform has improved dramatically. The sports market selection is now extensive: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, soccer, tennis, golf, MMA, and more. It added parlays (called Combos) in September 2025, and point spreads and totals are now easier to find than they were six months ago. Kalshi also pays 3-4% interest on uninvested cash, which none of the competitors match.
On the other hand, Kalshi’s 7% taker fee is on the higher end, and it adds up if you’re making frequent small trades. The interface, while improved, is a bit slower than Polymarket’s. For the full breakdown, see our Kalshi promo code and bonus page.
👍 What works
- Available in 49 states plus DC, no waitlist, instant signup
- The deepest sports market selection of any U.S. prediction market, including spreads, totals, and parlays
- Conventional deposit methods with no crypto wallet required
- 3-4% interest on uninvested balances
- Responsible trading tools (deposit limits, session timeouts)
👎 What doesn’t
- 7% taker fee is on the higher end. On a $50 trade at even odds, that’s $1.75 more than Polymarket’s 5% coefficient
- Finding spreads and totals still takes more clicks than it should
- Active state litigation creates uncertainty, even if the platform is currently operational almost everywhere
🔑 Bottom Line: Kalshi is the surest, most broadly accessible prediction market in the U.S. It isn’t the cheapest or the fastest, but it’s the one where you’ll find the most markets, the most liquidity, and the fewest barriers to getting started. If you only sign up for one platform, make it this one.
Polymarket
| 💰 Welcome Bonus | Deposit $20, Get $20 |
| 🎟️ Invite Code | INGAME (skips the 1M+ user waitlist) |
| 📊 Fee Structure | 5% taker coefficient / 1.25% maker rebate |
| 🌎 U.S. Availability | Invite-only beta (waitlist of 1M+ users) |
| 🏈 Sports Markets | NBA, MLB, NHL, soccer, tennis, plus politics and economics |
| 💳 Deposit Methods (U.S.) | Credit/debit card, bank transfer (ACH), USDC |
| 🔞 Min. Age | 18+ |
| 📞 Support | In-app chat, Discord, social media |
Polymarket is the best prediction market product I’ve used, but most people can’t access it yet. The U.S. platform launched in a limited, invite-only beta in December 2025 after Polymarket acquired QCEX (a CFTC-regulated exchange) and secured a no-action letter from the CFTC. As of April 2026, there’s a waitlist of over one million people. The invite code INGAME lets you skip the line.
If you get in, what you’ll find is a fast, clean app with lower taker fees than Kalshi (5% taker vs. 7%), intuitive market navigation, and a growing selection of sports, politics, economics, and elections markets. The U.S. version supports conventional payment methods, including cards and bank transfers. You don’t need a crypto wallet. Deposits process in minutes; withdrawals usually clear within a few hours.
The caveats are real, for now. The market selection on the U.S. platform is still limited compared to Polymarket’s international version (which remains one of the most active prediction markets in the world). There’s no publicly confirmed dispute resolution process. And the platform is still a beta product, with the kind of rough edges that implies. No one outside the company knows when a full public launch will happen. Reports suggest fall 2026, but Polymarket missed its initial launch window badly. For the full picture, see our Polymarket bonus and promo code page.
⚠️ Keep In Mind: The international version of Polymarket has far more markets than the U.S. version. If you’ve seen screenshots showing a massive market catalog, that’s likely the international platform. U.S. users can view those markets in “observer mode” but cannot trade on them.
👍 What works
- Fastest, cleanest interface of any prediction market I’ve tested
- Lower taker fees than Kalshi (5% vs. 7% taker coefficient)
- Conventional deposit methods on the U.S. platform, no crypto wallet needed
- Expanding market selection across sports, politics, and economics
- Backed by a $2 billion investment from ICE (NYSE’s parent company)
👎 What doesn’t
- Still invite-only with a big waitlist. Not a full public product yet for U.S.-based traders
- Market selection on the U.S. platform is narrower than Kalshi’s
- No transparent dispute resolution process has been published for the U.S. platform
- No responsible trading tools (deposit limits, session timeouts) that I could find
🔑 Bottom Line: If you can get in using an invite code, Polymarket is worth trying. It’s cheaper, faster, and more intuitive than Kalshi in many ways. But it’s still a beta, and the limited market selection and lack of transparency around dispute resolution are real drawbacks. Use the invite code INGAME and see for yourself.
DraftKings Predictions
| 💰 Welcome Bonus | Trade $5, Get $50 Prediction Dollars |
| 📊 Fee Structure | Fees vary by market and exchange partner (CME Group) |
| 🌎 U.S. Availability | ~38 states (availability varies by market type) |
| 🏈 Sports Markets | Sports and finance contracts (expanding) |
| 💳 Deposit Methods | Standard DraftKings payment methods |
| 🔞 Min. Age | 18+ |
DraftKings launched its prediction market app in December 2025, and it’s a natural fit for anyone who already uses … DraftKings Sportsbook. The app uses moneyline-style pricing rather than the probability-based contracts you’ll see on Kalshi and Polymarket, which makes it immediately readable for sports bettors. If you know what -110 means, you know how to use DraftKings Predictions.
The company acquired Railbird Technologies in late 2025 for its federal exchange license, and it has since announced a “super app” that will combine its sportsbook, prediction markets, and casino products into a single interface. DraftKings CEO Jason Robins has said the company sees a $10 billion annual gross revenue opportunity in prediction markets. The ambition is obvious.
The catch right now is depth. DraftKings Predictions’ market catalog is smaller compared to Kalshi. Sports and finance markets are live, with entertainment and culture categories expected later. In states that restrict sports contracts, you’re limited to a thin slate of non-sports markets. The app works smoothly and executes trades well, but it still feels like an early-stage product that’s building toward something bigger. I’d call it promising but incomplete.
👍 What works
- Familiar interface for existing DraftKings customers
- Moneyline-style pricing makes it intuitive for sports bettors
- The “super app” integration could be a major differentiator once it’s fully rolled out
- Strong brand trust and regulatory compliance
👎 What doesn’t
- Market selection is thin compared to Kalshi and Polymarket
- Operates through CME Group’s exchange, meaning you’re paying fees to both DraftKings and its exchange partner
- Non-sports markets are extremely limited in states that block sports contracts
- No limit orders or advanced execution tools
Crypto.com
| 💰 Welcome Bonus | Deposit match up to $50 (min. $10 deposit) |
| 📊 Fee Structure | Varies by contract |
| 🌎 U.S. Availability | 49 states (not available in New York) |
| 🏈 Sports Markets | Wide selection via Underdog/CDNA partnership |
| 💳 Deposit Methods | Bank transfer, debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay |
| 🔞 Min. Age | 18+ |
Crypto.com entered prediction markets in late 2024 through a partnership with Underdog, and it now operates its own CFTC-registered exchange arm (Crypto.com Derivatives North America). The sports selection is fine for main markets, covering NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, soccer, and more. If you already have a Crypto.com account for trading crypto, you can access prediction markets from the same app. But they are not yet stocked with props or combos (parlays).
That accessibility is also the biggest problem. Crypto.com does a lot of things: crypto trading, a Visa card, DeFi products, NFTs, and now prediction markets. Finding the prediction market section of the app requires navigating past all of that. The first time I tried to place a sports contract, it took me three minutes just to locate the right menu. Once you get there it works fine, but the discovery experience is poor compared to dedicated platforms like Kalshi, and liquidity/volume is definitely not at Kalshi’s level yet.
The fees are lower than Kalshi’s and competitive with the field, and the deposit match bonus up to $50 is decent. New York residents are excluded entirely. For everyone else, Crypto.com is a serviceable option, especially if you’re already in the Crypto.com ecosystem. But if prediction markets are your primary interest, you’ll have a better experience on a dedicated platform.
👍 What works
- Accessible if you already use Crypto.com for other services
- Low fees and a competitive deposit match bonus
- CFTC-regulated through its own exchange arm
👎 What doesn’t
- The prediction market interface is buried inside a busy app
- Sports markets still a bit sparse
- Not available in New York
- Prediction markets feel like a secondary feature, not a core focus
- Limited educational resources compared to Kalshi or Polymarket
Fanatics Markets
| 💰 Welcome Bonus | Bet $30, Get $300 FanCash |
| 📊 Fee Structure | Varies by contract, working on new market making structure |
| 🌎 U.S. Availability | 24 states + 4 U.S. territories |
| 🏈 Sports Markets | Sports, politics, economics, culture (combos/parlays added April 2026) |
| 💳 Deposit Methods | Standard payment methods |
| 🔞 Min. Age | 18+ |
Fanatics launched its prediction market app in December 2025, and it’s the most consumer-friendly of the newer entrants. The app is clean, mobile-first, and uses a simple yes-or-no contract format that doesn’t require any background in trading or finance. Fanatics added “combos” (similar to parlays) in April 2026, just in time for the NBA playoffs.
Fanatics Markets runs its contracts through Crypto.com’s exchange, with CFTC oversight through Paragon Global Markets, an introducing broker that Fanatics acquired in 2025. Reports from early 2026 indicate Fanatics is also pursuing its own Designated Contract Market (DCM) license, which would reduce/eliminate its dependence on Crypto.com infrastructure.
The limitation is availability. Only 24 states and four territories have access right now, which is far less than Kalshi or even DraftKings. Market selection is growing, and it recently added combos/parlays in April 2026.
👍 What works
- Simple, mobile-first interface with very little learning curve
- Combo (parlay) feature already live
- Responsible trading tools built in (deposit limits, session limits, self-exclusion)
- Trusted brand with a massive existing sports customer base
👎 What doesn’t
- Only available in 24 states, a fraction of Kalshi’s coverage
- Market-order execution only; no limit orders or position management tools
- Market depth and liquidity lag behind dedicated prediction platforms
- No confirmed welcome bonus at launch
Robinhood
| 💰 Welcome Bonus | None currently |
| 📊 Fee Structure | $0.01 per contract |
| 🌎 U.S. Availability | All 50 states |
| 🏈 Sports Markets | Not extensive but growing |
| 💳 Deposit Methods | Bank transfer, direct deposit, debit card |
| 🔞 Min. Age | 18+ |
Robinhood offers prediction markets through a partnership with Kalshi, and the main selling point is convenience. If you already have a Robinhood account for stocks or crypto, you can trade sports contracts from the same interface with no new account setup. The $0.01 per-contract fee is the lowest flat fee in the space.
This interface or product might look quite a bit different in the coming months. A joint venture between Robinhood Markets and Susquehanna International Group (SIG) was announced in January 2026. The companies jointly acquired a 90% controlling stake in the MIAX Derivatives Exchange (MIAXdx), a regulated Designated Contract Market (DCM) and derivatives clearing organization. In effect, they will be moving away from Kalshi and doing their own market making.
👍 What works
- No friction for existing Robinhood users
- Cheapest flat fee structure at $0.01 per contract
- Backed by Kalshi’s exchange infrastructure (for now, see above) and CFTC regulation
- Trusted, highly regulated financial platform
👎 What doesn’t
- The broader Robinhood interface can be overwhelming if you just want prediction markets
- No welcome bonus or promotional offers for prediction markets
Other platforms to watch
The prediction market space is expanding fast. Beyond the major platforms above, several others deserve mention.
Novig
Novig is a peer-to-peer sports prediction exchange that operates under a sweepstakes model. It’s available in more states than most traditional sportsbooks because of that structure. Users trade with each other rather than against a house, and the “no-vig” pricing model delivers some of the most competitive odds available. The company filed for CFTC approval as a Designated Contract Market in January 2026, backed by a $75 million Series B round, which signals a planned transition from sweepstakes to a federally regulated exchange. This one requires you to be 21+. Worth watching if you want exchange-style trading with a sports-first focus.
FanDuel Predicts
FanDuel launched its prediction market app in December 2025 in five states (Alabama, Alaska, South Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota) and has since expanded into all 50 states. It’s built on CME Group’s exchange, the same partner DraftKings uses, and offers markets on economics, sports, and culture. The market selection is thin right now. I’d call it an early-stage product that will matter more once FanDuel expands its state footprint and market catalog. It will definitely be investing.
Choosing the right platform
The “best” prediction market depends on what you’re optimizing for. Here’s how I’d break it down.
⚖️ Availability
Check that the platform actually works in your state before you get attached. Kalshi has the widest access (49 states), but some states restrict specific market types. Polymarket requires an invite code. Fanatics Markets only covers 24 states. DraftKings Predictions varies by market category. Always verify directly on the platform’s website.
💰 Fees
Fees vary significantly and directly affect your returns. Polymarket’s 5% taker coefficient is the lowest among regulated exchanges. Kalshi charges 7%. Robinhood’s flat $0.01 per contract is the cheapest absolute fee for small trades. DraftKings, Fanatics, and Crypto.com layer exchange partner fees on top of their own, making the all-in cost harder to calculate upfront. I couldn’t confirm whether the DraftKings/Fanatics fee stacks with CME/Crypto.com exchange fees, so check the fine print before assuming.
💧 Liquidity
Liquidity determines whether your trades fill at the price you want. Kalshi leads in U.S. sports liquidity by a wide margin, commanding roughly 89% of U.S. prediction market volume as of April 2026. Polymarket has strong liquidity on popular markets. The newer platforms (DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel) are still building depth.
🎁 Bonuses
Welcome offers in prediction markets aren’t as rich as what you’ll see at sportsbooks or online casinos, but they exist. Kalshi offers a $10 bonus with code INGAMEPRO. Polymarket offers a $20 deposit match with code INGAME. Crypto.com has a deposit match up to $50. DraftKings has offered a trade match. Robinhood doesn’t currently offer anything for prediction markets. Always read the the terms before claiming.
💡 Pro Tip: Fees matter more than bonuses. A $10 welcome bonus is nice, but if Platform A charges 2% more per trade than Platform B, you’ll burn through that bonus advantage within your first 20-30 trades. Prioritize the fee structure that fits your trading frequency and size.
🎯 Sign up for multiple platforms
This might be the single best piece of advice on this page: Open accounts on at least two or three platforms, shop for pricing, and give yourself multiple outs.
No two prediction markets offer the same experience. Kalshi has the best market depth, but Polymarket is faster. DraftKings is easiest if you’re a sports bettor. Crypto.com fits naturally if you’re already in the crypto ecosystem. Having multiple accounts lets you compare pricing across platforms, shop for the best contract values, and hedge positions if one platform offers a market at a meaningfully different price.
It also lets you stack welcome bonuses. I claimed bonuses on Kalshi ($10), Polymarket ($20), and Crypto.com ($50 match) within my first week. That’s $80 in bonus value for about 15 minutes of signup work.
Keep your ID verification documents handy (you’ll need them everywhere, no avoiding), and use the same payment methods across platforms to simplify deposit and withdrawal tracking.
⚖️ The legal landscape
Prediction markets operate under federal CFTC regulation as event contract exchanges, not as state-licensed sportsbooks. That distinction is why platforms like Kalshi can offer sports contracts in states where traditional sports betting is illegal. But state regulators are pushing back.
As of April 2026, the legal picture is messy. Multiple states have filed lawsuits or issued cease-and-desist orders against Kalshi, arguing that sports event contracts are functionally the same as sports bets and should be regulated under state gambling laws. A federal appeals court sided with Kalshi over New Jersey in early April, but judges hearing Nevada’s case signaled they might rule differently. The whole thing could end up at the Supreme Court.
For users, the practical takeaway is this: Prediction markets are legal and operational right now, but the legal foundations are actively being contested, and state-by-state availability could shift. I’d recommend checking each platform’s current terms before signing up, staying aware that the landscape may look different in six months. For the most detailed breakdown, see our Kalshi state-by-state legality guide and our coverage of the state vs. CFTC regulatory battle.
⚠️ Watch Out: “Available in all 50 states” doesn’t mean unrestricted in all 50 states. Kalshi is technically accessible nationwide, but specific market types (particularly sports contracts) may be restricted in states with active litigation, such as Nevada. Always check the platform directly for your state’s specific market availability.
🛡️ Responsible trading
Prediction markets carry real financial risk. Contracts can lose their full value, and unlike a savings account, there’s no guarantee you’ll get your money back. Treat prediction markets the way you’d treat any speculative investment: Don’t trade more than you can afford to lose.
Some platforms are better than others in providing responsible trading tools. Kalshi offers deposit limits, session timeouts, and self-exclusion. Fanatics Markets includes similar controls. Polymarket’s responsible trading features are limited, with no deposit caps or session limits that I could identify on the U.S. platform. If self-control tools matter to you (and they should), factor that into your platform choice.
🛡️ Responsible Gambling Resources: If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling-related issues, help is available. Call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 (available 24/7). You can also visit the National Council on Problem Gambling for additional resources, or text “GAMB” to 833-397-0060 for crisis support.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best prediction market site in 2026?
Kalshi, for most people. It has the widest market selection, broadest U.S. availability (49 states), and the most liquidity on sports contracts. Polymarket is a better product on speed and fees, but it’s still in invite-only beta.
Are prediction markets legal in the United States?
Yes. CFTC-regulated prediction market exchanges are legal to operate federally. However, several states are challenging whether sports event contracts should be subject to state gambling laws. The legal situation is evolving. All major platforms listed on this page are currently operational.
How are prediction markets different from sportsbooks?
Sportsbooks set odds and take a cut (the vig). Prediction markets function as peer-to-peer exchanges where users trade contracts at prices set by market demand. Contract prices range from $0.01 to $0.99 and pay out $1.00 if the predicted outcome occurs. You’re trading with other users, not betting against the house.
Do I need a crypto wallet to use prediction markets?
No. Every major U.S. prediction market platform (Kalshi, Polymarket U.S., DraftKings, Crypto.com, Fanatics, Robinhood) accepts conventional deposit methods like debit cards and bank transfers. Polymarket’s international platform is crypto-only, but the U.S. version is not.
Can I use multiple prediction market platforms at the same time?
Yes. Different platforms offer different markets, fees, and bonus opportunities. Having accounts on two or three platforms lets you shop for the best pricing and take advantage of multiple welcome offers.
