In a groundbreaking move, FanDuel has expanded its sports prediction markets to 13 additional states, bringing the total to 18 states where sports contracts are now available.
This expansion includes some of the largest states, such as California, Florida, and Texas, which together account for over 90 million people—roughly 25 to 27% of the U.S. population.
These states have seen limited or no traditional online sports betting due to legal restrictions, making FanDuel’s innovative approach a game-changer in the betting landscape. Ironically, FanDuel relinquished its Nevada license after regulators prohibited participation in prediction markets for sports or entertainment events.
FanDuel's strategic expansion positions it as a formidable competitor in the prediction markets space, challenging platforms like DraftKings Predictions, Kalshi, Fanatics Markets, Polymarket, and even financial services like Robinhood.
DraftKings made its formal entry into the prediction market space, not long after the company split from the American Gaming Association over a dispute tied to prediction markets.
Understanding FanDuel Predicts
FanDuel Predicts is a standalone app launched in late December 2025, developed in partnership with CME Group.
This platform sets itself apart by allowing users to trade "event contracts"—essentially yes/no bets on various outcomes. It covers a range of categories like sports, finance (such as S&P 500 levels), economics (including CPI or GDP indicators), commodities (such as oil and gold), and cryptocurrencies.
Unlike typical sports betting, FanDuel Predicts operates like a peer-to-peer trading system. It invites users to buy or sell shares based on the likelihood of certain events taking place. This platform shares similarities with others like Kalshi and Polymarket, but with the added leverage of FanDuel's branding and market reach.
A Clever Strategy in Restrictive States
Initially, FanDuel Predicts launched in just five states—Alabama, Alaska, North Dakota, South Carolina, and South Dakota.
The platform’s recent growth into more populous states is a strategic maneuver to access massive markets where traditional sportsbooks currently cannot operate.
By leveraging a framework regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), FanDuel introduces event contracts, which are treated differently from traditional gambling in many legal jurisdictions.
The expansion also includes states like Georgia, Delaware, and Hawaii, creating a widespread footprint that allows FanDuel to operate in regions with large populations without requiring full sports betting legalization.
Nationwide Access to Non-Sports Markets
Following the sports market expansion, FanDuel didn't stop there. On January 15, 2026, it expanded its non-sports markets nationwide. Now, in all 50 U.S. states, users can engage in predictions across categories like finance, economics, and commodities, while sports markets remain available in the initial 18 states.
By exploiting where event contracts differ legally from traditional gambling, FanDuel anticipates driving user acquisition and engagement, especially in states with restrictive sports betting laws.
In short, FanDuel Predicts is not just an innovative workaround—it's a glimpse into the future of prediction markets.
Whether you’re interested in sports or other market categories, check out their official app or site to explore this cutting-edge approach to betting and predictions. If you're in one of the 18 states with sports markets, you might want to join this exciting journey into the world of predictive trading.
