13 min

Robinhood Prediction Markets

by Frank Ammirante

Last updated: January 7, 2026

Robinhood logo

Welcome to the InGame Robinhood Prediction Markets review page. Robinhood has launched its prediction markets platform, enabling users to trade on real-world events like politics, sports, and finance. This new feature is built directly into Robinhood’s well-known trading app, giving users an easy way to predict future outcomes and earn rewards.

The platform combines financial trading tools with predictions in a regulated environment. This Robinhood predictions markets review takes a look at key features that make it stand out in the growing prediction market landscape.

Robinhood Prediction Markets pros and cons

Each market runs on $0–$1 contracts, making it easy to enter positions on real-world outcomes across politics, finance, news, and sports. 

Settlement is also straightforward. Contracts resolve to $1 for correct predictions and $0 for incorrect ones, with results determined by transparent public data sources.

The feature’s main strengths lie in its mainstream access, intuitive interface, and timely event selection tied to trending topics. 

However, there are a few notable drawbacks. This includes limited trading windows tied to specific events, evolving U.S. regulations on sports-related contracts, and fees that can reduce returns in thinly traded markets. 

Overall, Robinhood’s approach provides a reputable entry point into prediction markets. I like Robinhood’s event contracts for casual trades, but I wouldn’t use them for heavy volume.

Pros

  • Easy access with $0-$1 contracts
  • Diverse markets include politics, sports, news, and finance
  • Intuitive app from a reputable operator
  • Trending topics available for trade

Cons

  • Limited trading windows mean you must act quickly
  • Increased scrutiny on prediction markets with U.S. regulation
  • Additional trading fees can limit your returns

How does Robinhood work?

Here is an overview of Robinhood as a platform, including when it was founded, what markets are available, and more. 

FeatureDetails
Predictions Market NameRobinhood
Parent CompanyRobinhood Markets, Inc.
Year Founded2013
LicenseRobinhood Derivatives, LLC via the CFTC
Minimum Age18
Types of MarketsSports, Entertainment, Politics, Finance
VIP ProgramNone
Banking MethodsACH Bank Transfer, Credit/Debit Card
Mobile AppiOS and Android

Robinhood prediction markets let users trade on real-world events through simple Yes/No contracts priced between $0 and $1. This allows you to start small and scale up as you become more comfortable with this platform.

Each contract represents the probability of an outcome. Traders can buy or sell outcomes anytime before markets close, making it easy to react to new information in real time.

Liquidity forms as more users make trades. New markets are created based on trending public events. Robinhood provides the user interface and brokerage access, while trades are routed through a regulated exchange under Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) oversight. 

Payment methods include standard bank transfers, debit cards, and direct deposits, all protected by encryption and federal brokerage safeguards. New users must complete Know-Your-Customer (KYC) verification before trading, ensuring identity security and compliance with U.S. financial laws. This is where you verify your identity by providing government-issued ID, like a driver’s license or passport.

Key features of Robinhood

There are several key features of Robinhood. Robinhood prediction markets are fully integrated into the native app, giving users a seamless way to trade event outcomes alongside stocks and crypto. I found this to be convenient because you’re able to try out the prediction markets on the same platform as stocks and crypto, so there’s no need to make additional accounts.

The platform’s centralized hub brings together real-time markets on elections, economic data, and major sports events, all within a familiar interface.

As user participation grows, liquidity and pricing efficiency improve, leading to tighter spreads and faster order fills during high-profile events. Real-time updates keep prices moving with the news, allowing traders to react instantly to new information.

Robinhood’s mainstream reach means prediction markets are accessible to millions of verified users, helping transform how people forecast outcomes and find value in current events. 

Does Robinhood have bonuses and promotions?

No, Robinhood Prediction Markets do not offer traditional sportsbook-style bonuses or promo codes. Instead, user value comes from tight pricing, strong liquidity, and low per-contract fees that make trading more efficient.

Occasionally, Robinhood may feature limited-time promotions or partner highlights around major events like elections or market announcements. To this end, users should always check the in-app prediction markets hub or the official Robinhood Newsroom for verified updates before participating.

Remember to avoid third-party “promo code” websites, as Robinhood’s offers are only released through official channels. Rather than chasing bonuses, traders should focus on spreads, fees, liquidity, and market hours, which have a greater impact on overall returns and trading performance.

Yes, Robinhood is legal, operating under a regulated-exchange model in partnership with Kalshi, a CFTC-approved derivatives exchange in the United States. This structure allows Robinhood to offer event-based contracts.

Robinhood itself is a registered brokerage, subject to FINRA and SEC oversight, ensuring compliance with investor protection and anti-fraud standards. This makes Robinhood easy to trust when it comes to payments, as you won’t have to worry about disputes here.

Currently, Robinhood’s prediction markets are available to most U.S. residents aged 18 or older with verified accounts. However, access may vary by state. Certain jurisdictions have restricted or delayed approval for event-based or sports-related markets due to ongoing regulatory reviews. 

Regulators, including the CFTC, continue to evaluate sports-related contracts, so availability may shift as rules evolve. The platform restricts access in blocked jurisdictions and uses geolocation checks to ensure compliance.

How do I sign up at Robinhood?

Follow these simple steps to start trading on Robinhood:

  1. Download the Robinhood app or visit the website. 
  2. Tap Sign Up to start the registration process.
  3. Enter your name, email, and Social Security number. 
  4. Confirm that you are 18 years of age or older.
  5. Complete KYC and identity verification by providing a photo ID (ex. driver’s license)
  6. Link a U.S. bank account or debit card for deposits.
  7. Open the Prediction Markets hub. 
  8. Tap a market to view details and current Yes/No contract prices.
  9. Choose Yes or No depending on the outcome you expect. 
  10. Enter the number of contracts and confirm your order.
  11. You can sell contracts before the market closes or hold them until settlement. 
  12. Track performance directly from your portfolio tab.

What markets are available at Robinhood Prediction Markets?

Robinhood’s Prediction Markets cover a range of real-world events, giving users a simple way to trade opinions on what might happen next. The main categories include economics, elections, and sports, with new markets added based on current trends and news.

Economics

Most activity centers on major economic releases and political outcomes. Users can trade on events like Federal Reserve rate decisions, inflation reports, GDP data, and U.S. elections. These markets attract strong participation and tighter pricing during key news cycles.

Sports

Robinhood has tested sports-related prediction markets tied to NFL and college football games, as well as select tournaments and championship events. Availability may vary depending on state regulations and ongoing CFTC review of sports contracts.

Additional markets

Beyond politics and economics, Robinhood occasionally lists event markets tied to business news, policy outcomes, or global trends. These contracts let users forecast major headlines and real-world developments.

Sports markets on Robinhood Prediction Markets

Robinhood has featured sports markets through event contracts covering major matchups such as the Super Bowl, college football games, and select tournaments. However, availability has been on-and-off, as these markets appear around marquee events. 

Currently, sports markets on Robinhood are limited pending CFTC guidance, as they have begun additional review of sports contracts to determine how they fit under event-based derivatives rules. This evolving oversight means sports prediction markets may return, expand, or remain limited depending on regulatory outcomes.

Users interested in future sports markets should check the Prediction Markets hub in the Robinhood app and follow official Newsroom announcements for verified updates. I’m treating availability as sporadic or episodic and planning around it. This is why it’s a good idea to always monitor the platform to see what’s available with sports.

Trading mechanics, pricing, and settlement

This section walks you through trading mechanics, pricing, and settlement on Robinhood’s prediction markets. This includes how to place a trade, manage it, calculate profit/loss, and understand what can go wrong. By the end, you should feel confident making your first trade and knowing what to expect.

How orders work

Robinhood’s prediction markets use a limit order book, similar to a stock exchange. There are no market orders, so you always control your entry price. Trades only happen when another trader agrees to your price. If no one does, your order waits in the book, and may only fill partially if liquidity is thin.

You can view your open, filled, and canceled orders in the Activity tab, and your exposure in Positions.

Example: Let’s say there’s a market: “Will Team A win tonight?”

  • You want to buy “Yes” at $0.54 (implied probability of 54%).
  • Another trader sells “Yes” at that same price.
  • The trade executes, you’ve just bought one contract.
  • Each contract settles at $1.00 if you’re right, $0.00 if not.

Slippage and partial fills

Markets can move quickly, especially before big announcements or games. If prices shift before your order reaches the book, your trade might fill at a worse price (slippage) or not at all.

Example: You set a limit to buy “Yes” at $0.50, but by the time it hits the exchange, the best ask is $0.54. Since your limit is $0.50, it won’t fill unless sellers drop back down.

How to avoid it:

  • Always use limit prices, not “whatever’s available.”
  • Trade earlier in the day, when books are deeper.
  • Break big orders into smaller chunks so you can reassess between fills.

Market stages (open, paused/halted, closed, settled)

Markets pass through four clear stages:

StatusWhat It MeansWhat You Can Do
OpenNormal trading, orders match as usualPlace, cancel, and edit orders
Paused/HaltedTemporarily stopped while verifying new informationYou can't trade until it reopens
ClosedTrading ends at cutoff timeUnfilled orders cancel automatically
SettledOfficial results confirmed, payouts distributedWinners receive $1 per contract

Example: If an MLB game is postponed, the “Game Outcome” market might pause until the league confirms a new date or result.

Limits and protections

Robinhood includes built-in controls to keep things fair and transparent:

  • Minimum order sizes so tiny trades don’t spam the book.
  • Per-contract caps and exposure limits to manage risk.
  • Clear display of rules and limits before you confirm your trade.

For instance, most daily sports contracts trade roughly 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. ET. If a market is halted or closed, new orders are blocked until it resumes or settles.

Settlement and resolution sources

When the event ends, Robinhood uses official sources to determine outcomes. Sports markets settle using league-issued box scores or stat feeds. Election markets settle based on certified government results or named decision desks.

Once confirmed, winning shares pay $1.00 each, losing shares settle to $0.00, and funds appear automatically in your account. If results are unclear or under review, settlement may pause while Robinhood confirms the official data. There’s also a resolution process (similar to a service-level agreement) outlining how disputes are handled and when final payouts occur.

Calculating profit and loss

As an example, say you buy 10 “Yes” contracts at $0.54.

Your cost:

  • Trade price: $0.54
  • Commission: $0.01
  • Exchange fee: $0.01
  • Total per contract: $0.56
  • Total cost: 10 × $0.56 = $5.60

If you’re right:

  • Payout = 10 × $1.00 = $10.00
  • Net profit = $10.00 − $5.60 = $4.40

If you’re wrong:

  • Payout = $0
  • Net loss = $5.60

Implied probability: A $0.54 price means the market gives roughly a 54% chance that the event happens.

Pre-trade checklist 

Before placing a trade:

  • Know the rules: Read the event description and data source.
  • Check fees: $0.01 commission + possible $0.01 exchange fee.
  • Use limits: Never use “market” orders.
  • Check liquidity: Look at spreads and order book depth.
  • Size for zero: Be comfortable losing the full cost if wrong.

What are the fees at Robinhood Prediction Markets?

Each trade typically includes a small per-contract commission of about $0.01 paid to Robinhood, plus a separate exchange or clearing fee, often another $0.01 or less. While that may seem minor, the impact can add up for high-frequency traders or large positions. 

These fees are shown clearly before confirmation, letting you estimate total costs and size positions efficiently. I found this to be helpful because you can calculate breakeven before you make your decision.

Because trades are limit-only, there are no “instant execution” premiums, but users should still factor in both the commission and the exchange fee when calculating expected returns. What I like about this is that you can control price and avoid surprise fills.

Beyond direct commissions, users also pay indirectly through embedded spreads, which is the small pricing gap that appears when Yes + No > $1.00. That spread reflects market liquidity and timing: wider spreads tend to appear in thin or fast-moving markets, while active events with deep liquidity trade closer to a perfect $1.00 balance. 

For example, a contract showing Yes = $0.54 and No = $0.47 implies a two-cent spread that effectively acts as a cost to both sides. Understanding this helps traders identify whether they’re paying fair value or entering at a liquidity premium.

Personally, I like to wait on making a trade if Yes+No is too much over $1 because thin books eat your edge.

Deposits, withdrawals, and banking

Deposits, withdrawals, and banking on Robinhood’s prediction market are just as straightforward as trading stocks or crypto. The platform is designed for quick, low-friction transfers. This is something that I look for in a trading app, since it’s best to be able to react to market changes quickly. With that said, it’s still important to understand how long it takes for each payment method.

Deposit options

Robinhood prediction market uses the same trusted payments as its brokerage platform, mainly Automated Clearing House (ACH), which is an electronic network for financial transactions, allowing for transfers with linked bank accounts. You can connect your checking account directly to deposit funds or withdraw winnings. 

For users who need faster access, Robinhood also supports Instant Deposits, allowing immediate trading with a portion of your incoming funds while the transfer completes in the background. What I love about this is that you can take advantage of markets before the price moves.

Processing times, limits, and error handling

ACH deposits usually take 1–3 business days to fully clear. Withdrawals to a linked bank typically process in up to 5 business days. Transfer limits may apply based on your account verification level and transaction history.

To avoid delays, double-check your routing and account numbers before linking a bank. If a deposit or withdrawal appears stuck, it’s often due to a bank review, mismatched account info, or exceeding a daily limit. Robinhood’s app will flag these issues with an alert so you can correct them quickly.

User experience and app usability

Robinhood stands out for its user experience and app usability. The platform feels like a natural extension of its core trading app, which is clean, fast, and built around simplicity. The Prediction Markets hub sits alongside stocks and crypto on the main navigation bar, offering clear entry points into trending and upcoming events.

Markets load quickly, with intuitive tabs for categories like sports, elections, and pop culture. The layout prioritizes readability, showing price ladders, current odds, and expiration timers without clutter. Search and filter tools make it easy to find specific contracts, and switching between active and settled markets happens instantly with minimal lag. I was able to efficiently make trades on time-sensitive markets due to this organized interface, which was helpful.

Placing a trade requires you to tap into a contract, pick “Yes” or “No,” set your limit price, and confirm. Orders appear in real time under “Open Orders.” Filled positions move automatically to your portfolio tab, where users can track P/L, average price, and settlement status. The interface updates seamlessly during high-volume moments, while status banners like “Paused” or “Halted,” are clearly shown so you always know if trading is live.

For discovery, Robinhood includes curated market lists, trending tickers, and notifications for major shifts or resolutions. Users can set watchlists or price alerts to track specific outcomes, helping them react quickly when odds swing. It was great to get immediate notifications when odds moved, allowing me to react quickly to any changes to the market.

On mobile, the experience mirrors desktop performance, featuring responsive charts and real-time price updates optimized for small screens. Overall, I found the Robinhood prediction markets platform to be quite user-friendly.

Safety, security, and trust signals

Safety, security, and any other trust signals are important for the user experience. Robinhood’s prediction markets are built with the same security infrastructure that protects its brokerage and crypto products. Users benefit from industry-standard account protections, including two-factor authentication, biometric login on mobile, device verification, and encrypted data transmission. 

All funds and personal data are safeguarded under Robinhood’s existing regulatory framework, ensuring that prediction trading carries the same protections you’d expect from a modern financial platform.

Transparency is central to building trust in outcomes and settlements. Each market lists its official resolution source, rules, and backup criteria in plain language before you place a trade. Once an event concludes, Robinhood displays how and when it will settle, along with a reference to the verified data (e.g., league box scores or certified election results). 

More on Robinhood safety and security

If disputes occur, users can file a review request directly in the app. Those appeals are handled according to published service-level agreements (SLAs), with most responses arriving within a few business days. Clear timestamps and audit trails for orders, fills, and resolutions give users full visibility into how results were determined.

Behind the scenes, Kalshi, a CFTC-regulated event contract exchange, powers the routing and execution layer. This partnership ensures all trades clear through a federally regulated marketplace, adding an extra layer of compliance and integrity. 

You’re able to trade under CTFC supervision, ensuring that it’s a safe and secure experience. Robinhood provides the retail interface and customer experience, while Kalshi manages matching and settlement under federal oversight. 

For support, users can reach Robinhood through in-app chat, email, or callback requests, with typical response times under 24 hours for standard inquiries and faster handling for account or settlement issues. I found customer support to be helpful, as they addressed my query on how fees work promptly with an insightful response.

Responsible trading on Robinhood Prediction Markets

Responsible trading is a priority on Robinhood, as they encourage users to treat prediction trading as a form of informed speculation, not a source of income. The app includes budget and activity controls that help users stay disciplined, such as setting personal spending limits, tracking exposure across markets, and taking time-outs from event trading if needed. 

Education resources are available directly within Robinhood’s Help Center, which links to articles on responsible investing and tools for financial wellness. Users who feel they may be developing unhealthy trading habits can find outside assistance through organizations like the National Council on Problem Gambling (ncpgambling.org) or GamTalk. 

How does Robinhood Prediction Markets compare with alternatives?

Robinhood’s prediction markets compare favorably with competitors. They share Kalshi’s regulated foundation, since trades route through Kalshi, a CFTC-regulated event exchange. However, Robinhood provides a simpler, user-friendly interface and unified account experience. 

Kalshi caters more to serious traders, while Robinhood focuses on ease of use and fast onboarding for everyday users. Compared with Polymarket and other decentralized prediction platforms, Robinhood stands out for its integrated customer protections. Polymarket, by contrast, operates on blockchain rails with crypto settlement and fewer investor safeguards.

Should you use Robinhood Prediction Markets?

You should use Robinhood for a diverse trading experience. Robinhood’s prediction markets are best suited for users who enjoy tracking economic data, politics, or major sports events, looking to trade on those outcomes within a familiar, regulated app. It’s ideal for those who value simplicity, clear rules, and full integration with their existing Robinhood account.

The low fees, clean design, and built-in protections make it approachable for beginners and casual traders who want a seamless experience tied to their broader investing activity.

However, it’s not designed for high-frequency or crypto-native traders seeking deep liquidity, custom markets, or global coverage. Users looking for obscure event types or advanced analytics may find platforms like Kalshi or Polymarket better suited to their goals. 

Robinhood Prediction Markets review FAQ

What are Robinhood Prediction Markets?

Prediction markets let users trade event contracts on real-world outcomes, such as elections, sports, or economic data, paying $1 if correct and $0 if not.

Are prediction markets legal?

Yes. Trades route through Kalshi, a CFTC-regulated event exchange, ensuring compliance with U.S. federal regulations. Robinhood is available in all 50 U.S. states.

How much are the fees for Robinhood Prediction Markets?

Typically $0.01 per contract to Robinhood, plus an exchange or embedded fee of around another $0.01.

When can I trade sports contracts on Robinhood?

Usually from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. ET on active days, with pauses during verification or maintenance.

How are outcomes settled?

Each market lists official sources, like league box scores or certified election results. Payouts occur automatically once the outcome is verified.