Best Prediction Markets for August 2026

Prediction markets are online trading platforms where users buy and sell shares based on the outcome of future events, such as elections, financial data, sports, and more. The current price of a share reflects the all the users trading on estimated probability of that event happening.

Basically, a prediction market lets users trade contracts based on whether real-world events will happen. Instead of betting against a sportsbook, users buy and sell positions with one another until the market settles.

Contract prices reflect the market's estimated probability of an event occurring. You can hold a position until settlement or sell it before the event ends if market prices move in your favor.

• Contract Mechanics: You purchase 'Yes' or 'No' positions based on whether a specific real-world event will occur.
• Interpreting the Price: Shares cost anywhere from 1¢ to 99¢. If a 'Yes' share sits at 65¢, the market assigns a 65% chance of the event happening.
• Cashing Out: When the event ends, winning shares settle at $1.00, while losing shares drop to $0. The advantage is in selling your position early, as you can dump shares mid-event when needed.
• Peer-to-Peer Action: You trade against other users, not a bookmaker. Prices move based on public sentiment, news, and sharp money — with no baked-in sportsbook margin.

Contract options and events on prediction markets are limitless. Let's look at some of the most popular trading options:

• Politics & Elections: The 2026 midterms draw a lot of prediction market interest. Traders are projecting control of the Senate, gubernatorial races, and buying shares in contested state primary races.
• Marquee Sports & Game Lines: Traders buy shares across NFL, NBA, MLB, and WNBA schedules. You can easily buy and sell shares mid-game to lock in early profits and limit your risk.
• Economic Indicators & Pop Culture: Speculate on financial trends like Federal Reserve rate changes and inflation reports. You can also trade on entertainment outcomes, from reality TV winners to weekend box office numbers.

Read next: Sporttrade's betting exchange model

Every prediction market platform we score has been tested first-hand. One of our Action Network experts has taken the time to create an account, deposit real money, trade, and has made at least one withdrawal.

In other words, we don't rate prediction markets we haven't thoroughly used. Each operator receives an ActionTrust Rating from 0 to 10, calculated with a weighted formula: Σ [Dimension Weight × (Sub-score × Multiplier)].

Prediction markets use their own framework, because the integrity question here isn't RNG or RTP — it's whether prices are fair, contracts resolve correctly, and funds are safe. Refer to the table below to see which categories we review, and how each is weighted based on importance.

Every prediction market we rate receives an ActionTrust Rating out of 10. Scores are kept current, with full re-scores initiated annually or after material changes.

Look to the bullets below for more on what each tier represents.

• 9.0–10.0 ("Outstanding"): Recommended without reservation.
• 7.5–8.9 ("Strong"): Recommended despite small criticisms.
• 6.0–7.4 ("Good"): Well-rounded platform with some notable areas for improvement.
• 4.5–5.9 ("Fair"): Not generally recommended; check licensing and read terms carefully.
• 3.0–4.4 ("Weak"): Significant issues; please avoid.
• Below 3.0 — Not recommended under any circumstances.

Note: Since event-contract law is evolving fast, prediction markets have been receiving an accelerated legal review monthly (or within 7 days of a material court ruling or regulatory action). Penalties are floored at 0.5x per trigger (0.0x for no verifiable license); bonuses cap at 1.15x.

Prediction markets are regulated federally by the CFTC, via registered Designated Contract Markets (DCMs) listing event contracts — not by state gaming boards. A CFTC-registered exchange isn't "unlicensed" for lacking a state license, though state-level legality is still being litigated.

You already know FanDuel from sports betting.  FanDuel Predicts is that same team's take on prediction markets, so it feels familiar from the very first tap.

No promo code needed, either. Sign up through our link and the current welcome offer is yours: Sign Up & Unlock Your Offer!

It's a standalone prediction market app, kept separate from the FanDuel sportsbook, and the only real catch is a small fee of $0.02 per $1 of potential payout. But if you already bet sports, this is the smoothest way to start trading.

Prediction market platforms let you trade contracts on real-world events instead of placing traditional sportsbook wagers. Popular markets include NFL, MLB, politics, economics, entertainment, and financial events.

Below, we've compared the top U.S. prediction markets based on a variety of factors from the welcome bonus down to overall user experience. If you want to trade across sports, politics, economics, and more, check out the top prediction market apps below.

Note: Before signing up anywhere, check the latest terms and state availability. Eligibility rules vary by platform, and age requirements can differ as well. Offers below are updated regularly. If you're interested in learning more about their welcome bonuses specifically, check out our page for the best prediction market promos.

Polymarket US is our top choice, rewarding traders with some insane value right off the hop: Deposit just $20 and you get a guaranteed $50 trading bonus. No variable payout, no tiers, and you don't even need a crypto wallet to grab it. 

Most prediction market promo codes seem valuable, but Polymarket's offer is the one you can actually count on landing. It's mobile-only for now, but that will likely change in the future.

• 🏅 ​What you get: a broad, high-liquidity market menu including sports, politics, economics, and pop culture.

• 👍​How it feels: smooth and mobile-first, built for tapping in and out of markets on the go. 

• ✅ Bottom line: the easiest big-value entry point, as long as you're happy on a phone. 

• ❤️ What we liked: Guaranteed $50 bonus, deep liquidity, and no crypto wallet required to fund.

• ⚠️ What could be better: Mobile-only, with no desktop app yet.

• 🎯 Best for: New prediction market users who want value they can count on.

Kalshi is by far the most popular name here, with deep liquidity to match. The founders have roots in Goldman Sachs, giving it the look and feel of a traditional stock market exchange.

The Kalshi promo code offer also has the highest ceiling on this list — Trade $25, Get up to $500! That said, it's a variable reward, meaning ~70% of users receive $15, ~24% get $35, and only a small fraction see $75 or more.

The bonus expires 7 days after it's granted and must be traded through before winnings can be withdrawn.

• 🏅 What you get: the most markets backed by the deepest liquidity here, CFTC-regulated fiat trading, and extras like interest on balances. Works on both desktop and mobile.

• 👍 How it feels: closer to a real trading platform than a betting app. Clear pricing, guided onboarding, and a layout that rewards a bit of learning. 

• ✅ Bottom line: the most "exchange-like" experience, and the gentlest for newcomers.

• ❤️ What we liked: The deepest market depth here, desktop and mobile access, and interest on your balance.

• ⚠️ What could be better: A variable welcome bonus — roughly 70% of users land $15.

• 🎯 Best for: New prediction market users who want a proven, exchange-like platform.

FanDuel Predicts is naturally a strong option, leaning on its strong roots as both a sportsbook and DFS provider. The prediction market app exists as a separate platform, but the familiar layout helps traders who also enjoy FanDuel's sports betting apps to easily adapt.

• 🏅 What you get: a sportsbook-style take on prediction markets, with odds you can display as a multiplier, American odds, cents, or percentage. Runs as its own app, separate from the FanDuel sportsbook.

• 👍 How it feels: instantly familiar to anyone who's used a betslip, with the trading concepts wrapped in a betting-app skin. 

• ✅ Bottom line: the smoothest crossover for existing bettors. Just mind the per-trade fee ($0.02 per $1 of potential payout).

• ❤️ What we liked: A familiar betslip feel and flexible odds formats, so signing up feels easy for existing bettors.

• ⚠️ What could be better: A per-trade fee ($0.02 per $1 of payout) and fewer markets than a pure exchange.

• 🎯 Best for: Sportsbook and DFS players trying their first standalone prediction market app.

If you trade sports, Novig is our favorite from a price-value perspective. True to its name, the "No-Vig" is this platform's highlight, letting users trade against other users without owing the house a cut.

What's more, the Novig Points program gives regulars a reason to stay. Originally operating on a sweepstakes model (using "Novig Coins" and "Novig Cash"), Novig secured landmark CFTC approval in June 2026 to operate as a federally regulated prediction market nationwide.

• 🏅 What you get: peer-to-peer sports trading with no house vig and no punitive limits on winning traders. The Novig Points loyalty program. Mobile-only and 21+.

• 👍 How it feels: focused and sports-first, built around trading directly against other users rather than a book.

• ✅ Bottom line: a lean, price-sharp app for sports traders who care most about value. 

• ❤️ What we liked: No-vig peer-to-peer pricing, no limits on winning traders, and the Novig Points rewards.

• ⚠️ What could be better: Mobile-only, 21+, and sports-focused, so it skips many non-sports markets.

• 🎯 Best for: Sports-first traders who care most about price.

DraftKings brings its sportsbook DNA to prediction markets with DraftKings Predictions, a CFTC-regulated platform that trades event contracts inside a familiar betslip rather than a 0-to-100-cent order book. int

That betslip-style layout is the real differentiator. Instead of buying shares on a cents scale, you place trades the way you'd place a bet, which makes the jump from sportsbook to prediction market almost seamless.

And because it runs under federal CFTC oversight, DraftKings Predictions is available in some states without legal online sports betting, giving DraftKings regulars a way to keep the action going.

• 🏅 What you get: CFTC-regulated event contracts in a familiar DraftKings betslip, with markets across major sports and events, plus access in some states without legal online sports betting.
• 👍 How it feels: just like the DraftKings sportsbook. A betslip instead of a cents-based order book, so there's almost no learning curve for existing users.
• ✅ Bottom line: the most sportsbook-like way to trade, and an easy pick for anyone already in the DraftKings ecosystem.
• ❤️ What we liked: the betslip interface makes trading instantly familiar, and the platform reaches states where traditional sportsbooks can't operate.
• ⚠️ What could be better: the betslip format hides some of the pricing detail a true cents-based exchange shows, and market depth trails the big exchanges.
• 🎯 Best for: DraftKings users who want prediction markets without learning a new interface.

Like Novig, ProphetX recently earned full CFTC approval in June 2026, allowing it to officially operate as a federally-regulated prediction market instead of a dual-currency sweepstakes platform.

One hallmark rarely found on other prediction market platforms is the ability to easily build Same Game Parlays (SGPs) across the NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL.

Using its proprietary Request for Quote (RFQ) parlay mechanism, users can construct, price, and trade multi-event combinations directly with counterparties in seconds.

This allows traders to lock in parlay action while drastically undercutting the heavy margins built into traditional sportsbooks.

• 🏅 What you get: full CFTC regulation and a Request-for-Quote engine that builds and prices same-game parlays across the NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL in seconds. 

• 👍 How it feels: purpose-built for parlay construction. The RFQ flow is the centerpiece rather than an add-on.

• ✅ Bottom line: specialized, and the strongest option if parlays are your main game.

• ❤️ What we liked: Its RFQ engine prices same-game parlays in seconds, and usually cheaper than a sportsbook.

• ⚠️ What could be better: A niche, parlay-first focus with fewer non-sports and single-outcome markets.

• 🎯 Best for: Parlay-focused sports traders.

Before you move your bankroll over to an exchange, here is a quick look at the structural benefits and the potential drawbacks of trading on prediction market platforms compared to traditional sportsbooks:

Are you a trader who would prefer to access contracts on the go? Below, we've put together a list of the best prediction market apps available, and how users are ratings these apps on both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.

Each platform offers something different, and this guide will make it easier for you to find the prediction market app that best matches your trading preferences.

More prediction markets are launching before the NFL season, but Kalshi and Polymarket remain a step ahead.

Kalshi is known as the more established US exchange with a seamless user experience across devices, whereas Polymarket US offers the larger welcome bonus but is currently mobile-only.

Look to the table below for a breakdown of Kalshi vs. Polymarket.

As prediction markets capture market share, traditional online sportsbooks, DFS operators, and retail brokerages are launching their own exchange platforms.

Depending on where you already hold a bankroll, these crossovers offer a convenient way to trade event contracts without opening a new account:

• Sportsbook Spin-Offs: Fanatics Markets, and Betr Predictions.
• DFS Integrations: Sleeper Markets and PrizePicks Predict (powered via partnerships with Kalshi).
• Retail Finance & Crypto Brokerages: Robinhood, Coinbase, Crypto.com, and OG.com.
• Alternative Sweepstakes: Verse Picks.

These platforms offer a hybrid experience, bringing CFTC-regulated trading to a familiar sportsbook interface. Fanatics stands out for its lack of deposit/withdrawal fees via ACH, while DraftKings uses a traditional betslip interface instead of a 0-100 cent scale. These are ideal for traders in states without legal sports betting.

Powered by Kalshi's backend, these DFS operators now offer "Team Picks." This allows users who primarily play daily fantasy sports to trade 'Yes/No' shares on moneylines, spreads, and totals directly within their existing DFS platforms.

A true retail trading platform. By integrating prediction markets, Robinhood allows you to manage stocks, options, retirement accounts, and event contracts (sports, politics, weather) all from one centralized hub.

Geared toward the Web3 crowd, these platforms allow you to trade sports, politics, and macroeconomics using cryptocurrency. Coinbase is highly accessible for crypto beginners, while OG.com (a standalone product from Crypto.com) caters to high-volume UI traders.

Similar to Novig, Verse Picks uses the dual-currency sweepstakes model. Its biggest advantage is cross-market parlays, allowing you to combine a sports outcome (e.g., Super Bowl winner) with an entertainment outcome (e.g., Grammy winner) on the same ticket.

Read Next: ROLR Prediction Markets

The available of each prediction market varies based on the platform, the product, and the user’s location. Users should always check a prediction market's terms and conditions before signing up, as state access can change and some markets may be restricted even when the app is available.

The table below lists the states where each prediction market platform is legally available. If you're located in one of these states, you can create an account, claim the available welcome offer, and start trading!

The prediction market landscape is shifting. Here is why platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket operate under different rules than traditional sportsbooks:

Prediction markets are federally regulated by the CFTC as financial derivative exchanges. This federal classification allows them to operate legally even in states that currently ban traditional sports betting, such as California and Texas.

State Reviews:

• Kalshi in California
• Kalshi in Florida
• Kalshi in Texas
• Polymarket in California
• Polymarket in Florida
• Polymarket in Texas

Because they are classified as financial products rather than gambling, many prediction markets are open to users 18 and older. However, platforms that utilize a sweepstakes model may still enforce a strict 21+ age minimum.

State gaming boards frequently challenge the expansion of these markets, leading to ongoing legal battles over federal preemption. As a result, residents in certain states may still face access restrictions despite a platform's federal legality.

Prediction markets are shifting from anonymous trading toward transparent community leaderboards:

• Verified PnL: Modern apps display the actual profit-and-loss records of top traders so you can see where the most successful accounts are investing.
• Copy-Trading: Some platforms allow you to automatically mirror the positions of these top-ranked forecasters.

Unlike lagging polls, political prediction markets react instantly to live news. Traders often navigate these election markets using the following approaches:

• Target High-Liquidity Macro Markets: Contracts tracking control of the House or Senate attract massive volume, making them accurate barometers of national sentiment.
• Exploit Local Primary Volatility: Localized gubernatorial or congressional primary markets are often mispriced, offering opportunities if you have deep knowledge of regional politics.
• Capitalize on Live Debates: Contract prices swing wildly during televised debates. Keeping your account pre-funded allows you to buy temporary dips when the market overreacts.

Right now, Novig is our top pick for sports trading, with its "no-vig" peer-to-peer pricing setting it apart. ProphetX is the best for same game parlays, while Kalshi offers the deepest market depth.

Here's a brief synopsis of how these prediction markets work across different sports:

• Novig: The sharpest prices. You trade straight against other users, so there's no house margin eating your value.
• ProphetX: The parlay specialist. Its Request-for-Quote system builds and prices same-game parlays fast.
• Kalshi: The deepest liquidity and widest market coverage, plus desktop access.
• FanDuel Predicts: The easiest crossover if you're coming from a sportsbook.
• Polymarket: The best guaranteed bonus, with strong sports coverage alongside politics and global event markets.
• DraftKings Predictions: The most sportsbook-like feel, trading events on a familiar betslip instead of a cents scale.

Since prediction markets function differently compared to traditional sportsbooks, the "best" platform really comes down to personal preference. Regardless of the platform you pick, start small and stick to markets you truly understand.

For example, if you're a diehard MLB fan looking to get into NFL trading, start with a few baseball contracts and explore once your bankroll has some cushion.

After proving successful for politics, the peer-to-peer exchange model expanded into sports. Instead of standard futures, modern prediction markets offer high-volume contract trading on individual game outcomes, live in-game momentum shifts, and specific player performances.

Beyond game variety, these platforms provide unique capital efficiency. Certain CFTC-regulated exchanges like Kalshi allow users to earn interest on account balances and open positions, a financial incentive sportsbooks cannot replicate.

Furthermore, because they operate as financial exchanges under CFTC oversight rather than state gaming commissions, prediction markets offer a distinct, legally compliant framework for users across the country to trade sports outcomes.

READ NEXT: Hit.com's Prediction Markets

The best way to compare the best prediction markets is to trade sports contracts on high-volume daily events, like WNBA and MLB, where deep liquidity makes it easy to get in and out.

Here's where the action is right now: 

Since prediction markets operate differently than traditional sportsbooks, there's also a lot of variance between settlement times and available payment methods.

Overall, much of this depends on whether you are using a fiat-based platform (like Kalshi) or a crypto-based platform (like Polymarket). Look to the table below for a recap of prediction market payment methods you can expect to see, and how long transactions can potentially take

For another potential future operator, see our guide on the Matchbook promo code.

If you're logging into a prediction exchange for the first time during the summer, have a plan to protect your initial deposits. Standard sports betting strategies don’t work well here, as you're trading against experienced traders and not a house with a built-in fee.

Without further ado, here are some of our best prediction market trading tips.

• Focus on High-Liquidity Markets: Niche MLB prop markets or obscure international soccer matches might look tempting on the board, but a lack of active trading volume means you cannot easily sell your shares if the game turns against you. Stick to high-liquidity events like the Wimbledon Finals, where the order book is constantly moving.

• Use Limit Orders: Instead of accepting the current market price, place a limit order and wait for the market to come to you. It can improve your entry price and increase your potential return over time.

• Don't Be Afraid to Sell Early: You don't need your team to win the game. If you grab 'Yes' shares on an NHL underdog at 30 cents and they score first, those shares might jump to 65 cents. Sell right away to secure the 35-cent profit.
• Keep Cash Available: Breaking news, lineup changes, injuries, and economic announcements can move prices quickly. Keeping some funds available lets you react instead of watching opportunities pass by.

• Think in Probabilities: Prediction markets aren't about guessing who wins. They're about deciding whether the market is pricing an event correctly. Before buying a contract, ask yourself if the real probability is higher or lower than the current price suggests.

READ NEXT: Plus500's Prediction Markets

Prediction markets frame their products with financial language ("Trading involves substantial risk") rather than sportsbook terminology ("Play Responsibly"). Treat these exchanges like a brokerage account via these responsible trading techniques:

• Trade What You Know: If you don't understand how CPI data impacts the broader economy, stick to sports markets (NFL spread markets, World Cup). Don't trade blind.
• Never Over-Leverage: Prediction markets move fast. Never commit capital that isn't part of a calculated risk strategy.
• Use Native Platform Limits: Leading exchanges offer deposit caps, time limits, and voluntary self-exclusion tools directly in your account settings. Use them.

You may notice major sportsbook operators like Caesars and BetMGM are currently absent from the prediction market space. This is intentional. Because they hold state-level gaming licenses, they are hesitant to launch federally-regulated event contracts that directly challenge state regulators.

However, as market share shifts toward exchanges, traditional sportsbooks are pivoting. For instance, bet365 recently exited the American Gaming Association, a move industry insiders believe could clear the path for a standalone bet365 prediction market product in the near future.

Whenever any of these potential future entrants take any meaningful steps towards launching, we will update this page accordingly.

READ NEXT: Underdog's prediction markets

• Polymarket is our top overall pick thanks to its large welcome bonus and broad selection of markets.
• FanDuel Predicts is a great choice for anyone looking for a familiar, easy-to-use prediction market.
• Kalshi stands out for traders looking for a federally regulated exchange with deep liquidity.
• Novig is a strong option for users looking for peer-to-peer pricing and rewards.
• DraftKings Predictions, if you want to trade events without learning a new interface.

• ProphetX is worth considering if you trade mainly sports markets.

No matter which platform you choose, compare the latest promotions, check state availability, and review the platform's terms before signing up.

1. Polymarket: Use the Polymarket promo code ACTION to Deposit $10, Get a $20 Trading Bonus!
2. Kalshi: Claim the Kalshi promo code ACTION to Trade $25, Get up to $500!
3. FanDuel Predicts: No FanDuel Predicts promo code is needed to Sign Up & Unlock Your Offer!
4. Novig: Use the Novig promo code ACTION to Spend $25, Get $50 in Novig Coins!
5. DraftKings Predictions: No DraftKings Predictions promo code is needed to Trade $5, Get $150 in Predictions Dollars!
6. ProphetX: Snag the ProphetX promo code TANBONUS to Trade $10, Get $20!