Looking for the best prediction market platform but overwhelmed by choices?
The prediction market landscape in 2026 looks nothing like it did even a year ago. Polymarket just re-entered the US market after a $112 million acquisition. Kalshi processed over $1 billion in Super Bowl trading volume alone. Robinhood launched prediction markets for its 24 million users. And entirely new platforms like Fanatics Markets and Gemini Predictions are entering the space.
With so many options, choosing the right platform matters more than ever. The wrong choice could mean higher fees, restricted access in your country, or missing markets you actually want to trade.
In this comparison, we break down 10 prediction market platforms across fees, features, regional availability, and what each is best for so you can make an informed decision. We also show you how to use Coinrithm's Prediction Markets page to discover and research thousands of active markets across platforms before you trade.
TL;DR
- Best overall (US): Kalshi - CFTC-regulated, fiat deposits, broadest US market coverage
- Best overall (global): Polymarket - Deepest liquidity, widest market variety, lowest fees
- Best for beginners: Robinhood Prediction Markets - Familiar interface, powered by Kalshi
- Best for sports: Fanatics Markets - Sports-first design, growing fast
- Best for crypto/DeFi: Drift BET - Solana-based, instant settlements, multi-collateral
- Best for learning: Manifold - Play money, zero risk, open market creation
- Use Coinrithm Prediction Markets to browse 11,000+ active markets across platforms before committing money
Table of Contents
- Quick Comparison Table
- What Are Prediction Markets
- The 10 Best Prediction Market Platforms in 2026
- Side-by-Side Fee Comparison
- Which Platform Is Right for You
- Regional Availability Guide
- 2026 Events Driving Prediction Market Volume
- How to Use Coinrithm to Research Prediction Markets
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Quick Comparison Table
Figure: 10 prediction market platforms organized by tier — Regulated US, Decentralized Global, and Free/Learning.
| Platform | Type | Best For | Fees | US Access | Min. Deposit | Markets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kalshi | Centralized (CFTC) | US traders, regulated access | 1-2¢ per contract | Yes (most states) | $1 | Politics, sports, economics, culture |
| Polymarket | Decentralized (Polygon) | Global traders, deep liquidity | ~2% on winnings | Rolling out (waitlist) | No minimum | Politics, crypto, sports, global events |
| Robinhood | Centralized (via Kalshi) | Beginners, existing Robinhood users | 0¢ (commission-free) | Yes | $1 | Sports, economics, politics, culture |
| Fanatics Markets | Centralized (CFTC) | Sports fans | 1-2¢ per contract | Yes | $5 | Sports, finance, politics, culture |
| PredictIt | Centralized (CFTC) | Political junkies | 10% profit + 5% withdrawal | Yes | $1 | Politics only |
| Gemini Predictions | Centralized (CFTC) | Crypto traders wanting regulation | 1-2¢ per contract | Yes | Varies | Politics, crypto, economics, sports |
| ForecastEx | Centralized (CFTC) | Institutional/advanced traders | Low (via IBKR) | Yes (via Interactive Brokers) | IBKR account required | Macro, economics, policy |
| Drift BET | Decentralized (Solana) | DeFi traders, low fees | <1% | No (global) | No minimum | Crypto, politics, sports |
| Manifold | Play money | Learning, casual forecasting | Free | Yes (global) | Free | Anything (user-created) |
| Metaculus | Reputation-based | Scientific forecasting, research | Free | Yes (global) | Free | Science, tech, geopolitics, AI |
What Are Prediction Markets?
Prediction markets are platforms where you buy and sell contracts based on the outcomes of real-world events. Think of them as a stock market for probabilities - each contract's price reflects what the crowd collectively believes about a future event.
If you're new to prediction markets, read our complete explainer: What Is Polymarket? How Prediction Markets Work + Beginner Guide.
The quick version:
- Contracts trade between $0.00 and $1.00
- The price = the market's estimated probability (e.g., $0.70 = 70% chance)
- If the event happens, winning contracts pay $1.00. Losing contracts pay $0.00
- You can sell anytime before resolution to lock in profits or cut losses
Why prediction markets matter in 2026:
- Google Finance now embeds live prediction market odds directly in search results
- Combined weekly volume across all platforms peaked at $6.3 billion in February 2026
- Kalshi alone processed $2.8 billion in a single week around Super Bowl LX
- 6-month market growth hit 13x, signaling mainstream adoption
- FIFA World Cup 2026 and US Midterms are driving massive new interest
The 10 Best Prediction Market Platforms in 2026
1. Kalshi
Best for: US-based traders who want regulated, fiat-friendly access
Kalshi is the dominant prediction market in the United States and the platform that has done the most to bring prediction markets into the mainstream. As a CFTC-regulated Designated Contract Market (DCM), Kalshi offers a level of legal protection and regulatory oversight that no decentralized platform can match.
Why Kalshi stands out in 2026:
Kalshi's growth numbers are staggering. During Super Bowl LX (February 2026), the platform processed over $1 billion in trading volume related to the game, with total weekly volume hitting a record $2.8 billion. Daily active users surged past 2 million on game day - up 1,100% year-over-year. App downloads spiked 1,544% compared to the same period in 2025.
The platform has expanded far beyond its original focus on macro-economic events. Kalshi now covers sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, soccer), politics (elections, policy decisions), economics (Fed rates, inflation, GDP), culture (Oscars, Grammys), and weather events.
Key features:
- CFTC-regulated exchange with segregated customer funds
- Fiat deposits via ACH bank transfer, debit card, or wire
- ~4% APY on uninvested cash balances
- Native mobile apps (iOS and Android)
- Real-time order book with limit and market orders
- $25,000 position limit per market
Fees:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Trading fee | 1-2¢ per contract (lower for limit orders) |
| Deposit (ACH) | Free |
| Deposit (debit card) | 1.5% |
| Withdrawal | Free |
| Inactivity fee | None |
Pros:
- Fully regulated by the CFTC - highest legal protection available
- Simple fiat funding (bank account, debit card)
- Familiar brokerage-like interface
- Deep liquidity on major events
- Earns interest on uninvested cash
- Strong mobile app experience
Cons:
- Not available in Nevada, certain restrictions in NJ, MD, TN
- $25,000 position limit per market
- Narrower market selection than Polymarket for niche topics
- US-only access (no international users)
- Crypto markets limited compared to Polymarket
Availability: United States (most states). Not available in Nevada. Some restrictions in New Jersey, Maryland, and Tennessee for sports contracts.
2. Polymarket
Best for: Global traders seeking the deepest liquidity and widest market variety
Polymarket is the world's largest prediction market by volume and the platform that effectively put prediction markets on the global map. Built on the Polygon blockchain, Polymarket offers a decentralized trading experience with the deepest order books in the industry.
Why Polymarket stands out in 2026:
Polymarket processed over $3.74 billion in trading volume in November 2025 alone, and cumulative volume has surpassed $40 billion. The platform's biggest development in 2026 is its re-entry into the US market after acquiring QCEX, a CFTC-licensed derivatives exchange, for $112 million. The US launch is rolling out via waitlist as of February 2026, starting with sports markets.
Polymarket has also signed major sports partnerships, becoming the exclusive prediction market partner of Major League Soccer (MLS), plus deals with the NHL, UFC, and the New York Rangers. A POLY token launch is anticipated in 2026, which has further incentivized liquidity on the platform.
Key features:
- Decentralized, built on Polygon (Ethereum L2)
- Deepest liquidity of any prediction market globally
- Widest market variety (politics, crypto, sports, geopolitics, entertainment, science)
- No position limits
- UMA oracle system for transparent dispute resolution
- On-chain settlement (fully transparent)
Fees:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Trading fee | ~2% on net winnings |
| Gas fees (Polygon) | <$0.01 per transaction |
| Deposit (crypto) | Network fees only |
| Deposit (card) | Varies by provider |
| Withdrawal | Network fees only |
Pros:
- Deepest liquidity globally - tightest spreads on major markets
- Widest market selection (politics, crypto, sports, global events, entertainment)
- No position limits - trade as large as you want
- Very low fees (~2% on winnings only, near-zero gas)
- Transparent on-chain settlement
- Global access (most countries)
- Fast-moving prices that react to news in real-time
Cons:
- Requires crypto wallet (e.g., MetaMask) and USDC (steeper learning curve)
- US access still limited via waitlist (as of Feb 2026)
- No fiat deposit option (must acquire USDC first)
- Blocked in France, Portugal, Italy, and some other countries
- No interest earned on idle funds
- Customer support less robust than regulated platforms
Availability: Global access in most countries. Blocked in France, Portugal, Italy, and Singapore. US access rolling out via waitlist (February 2026). Fully accessible in UK, Germany, Turkey, Brazil, most of Latin America, and much of Asia.
Browse live Polymarket data on Coinrithm Prediction Markets to research markets before trading.
3. Robinhood Prediction Markets
Best for: Beginners and existing Robinhood users who want a familiar interface
Robinhood entered prediction markets in October 2024 with presidential election contracts and launched its full prediction markets hub in March 2025. The platform's prediction markets are powered by Kalshi, meaning trades are executed on Kalshi's CFTC-regulated exchange while users get Robinhood's polished, beginner-friendly interface.
Why Robinhood stands out in 2026:
With 24+ million existing users, Robinhood brings prediction markets to the single largest retail investing audience in the US. The integration is seamless - users can fund prediction market trades from the same account they use for stocks, ETFs, and crypto. Commission-free trading makes it the cheapest way to access CFTC-regulated prediction markets.
Key features:
- Commission-free prediction market trading
- Same account as stocks, crypto, and options
- Powered by Kalshi's CFTC-regulated exchange
- Clean, beginner-friendly mobile interface
- Instant funding from linked bank accounts
Fees:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Trading fee | $0 (commission-free) |
| Deposit | Free (linked bank account) |
| Withdrawal | Free |
Pros:
- Zero trading commissions
- Familiar interface for existing Robinhood users
- One account for stocks, crypto, and predictions
- Lowest barrier to entry of any regulated platform
- CFTC-regulated (via Kalshi backend)
Cons:
- Fewer markets than Kalshi directly (Robinhood curates a subset)
- US-only access
- Less granular order types compared to trading directly on Kalshi
- Limited market data and analysis tools
- No position tracking separate from main portfolio
Availability: United States only. Same state restrictions as Kalshi for certain contract types.
4. Fanatics Markets
Best for: Sports fans who want prediction markets designed around their interests
Fanatics Markets represents the first major entry by a sports brand into prediction markets. Backed by Fanatics' massive sports audience and infrastructure, the platform launched Phase One with sports, finance, economics, and politics contracts. Phase Two (expected early 2026) adds crypto, stocks/IPOs, climate, pop culture, tech/AI, movies, and music markets.
Why Fanatics Markets stands out in 2026:
Fanatics already reaches tens of millions of sports fans through merchandise, collectibles, and sports betting. Their prediction market is built around that sports-first audience, with an interface designed for casual fans rather than experienced traders. The platform offers a trading-style alternative to traditional sports betting, with a cleaner user experience than exchange-style platforms.
Key features:
- Sports-first prediction market from a trusted brand
- CFTC-regulated
- Expanding into crypto, culture, tech, and more (Phase Two)
- Built on Fanatics' existing sports audience
- Simplified interface for casual fans
Fees:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Trading fee | 1-2¢ per contract |
| Deposit | Free (standard methods) |
| Withdrawal | Free |
Pros:
- Sports-focused design and market selection
- Backed by one of the biggest sports brands globally
- CFTC-regulated
- Growing market variety with Phase Two expansion
- User-friendly for non-traders
Cons:
- Newer platform - still building liquidity
- Fewer markets than Kalshi or Polymarket
- Limited track record
- US-only access
- Sports-heavy (limited non-sports markets currently)
Availability: United States. Expanding coverage as Phase Two rolls out.
5. PredictIt
Best for: Political junkies focused exclusively on US politics
PredictIt is one of the longest-running prediction market platforms, focused almost exclusively on political outcomes. Operated by Victoria University of Wellington under a CFTC no-action letter, PredictIt has been the go-to platform for small-scale political trading for years.
Why PredictIt is still relevant in 2026:
Despite its limitations (strict position caps, higher fees, politics-only focus), PredictIt maintains a dedicated community of political traders. The platform's $850 per-market position limit actually attracts a specific audience: casual political observers who want to put a small amount of money on their political convictions without the complexity of crypto wallets or large exchange accounts.
Key features:
- Political markets exclusively (elections, nominations, policy)
- CFTC no-action letter (regulated)
- Low minimum trade ($1)
- Academic research partnership (Victoria University)
Fees:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Trading fee | 10% of profits |
| Withdrawal fee | 5% of withdrawal amount |
| Deposit | Free |
Pros:
- Longest track record in political prediction markets
- Easy to understand - politics only
- Low minimum ($1)
- No crypto required - uses USD
- CFTC-regulated (no-action letter)
Cons:
- Highest fees of any platform (10% profit + 5% withdrawal)
- $850 position limit per market
- Politics only - no sports, crypto, or other categories
- Limited liquidity compared to Kalshi or Polymarket
- Aging interface
- Uncertain regulatory future (CFTC has questioned its no-action letter)
Availability: United States. Limited international access.
6. Gemini Predictions
Best for: Crypto traders who want CFTC-regulated prediction markets
Gemini Predictions is a newer entrant from the Gemini crypto exchange, offering CFTC-regulated prediction market contracts. It bridges the gap between crypto-native users and regulated prediction markets, letting Gemini's existing user base trade event contracts without needing a separate account.
Key features:
- CFTC-regulated prediction market
- Integrated with Gemini exchange accounts
- Markets covering politics, crypto, economics, sports
- Fiat and crypto funding options
Fees:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Trading fee | 1-2¢ per contract |
| Deposit | Varies (fiat or crypto) |
| Withdrawal | Standard Gemini fees |
Pros:
- Regulated (CFTC) with familiar crypto exchange backing
- Seamless for existing Gemini users
- Both fiat and crypto funding
- Crypto-specific markets alongside traditional categories
Cons:
- Newer platform - building liquidity
- Smaller market selection than Kalshi or Polymarket
- Requires Gemini account with full KYC
- Limited track record
Availability: United States (Gemini-supported states).
7. ForecastEx
Best for: Institutional and advanced traders who use Interactive Brokers
ForecastEx takes a completely different approach by operating inside the world of traditional finance through Interactive Brokers. Instead of a standalone app, ForecastEx contracts are traded directly through IBKR's platform alongside stocks, bonds, options, and futures.
Key features:
- Accessed through Interactive Brokers
- CFTC-regulated
- Focuses on macroeconomic and policy-driven events
- Professional-grade trading tools (IBKR platform)
- Margin and portfolio integration
Fees:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Trading fee | Low (integrated with IBKR fee structure) |
| Account | IBKR account required |
Pros:
- Professional-grade tools and order types
- Integrated with existing IBKR portfolio
- CFTC-regulated
- Ideal for macro traders and institutional users
- Advanced charting and analytics
Cons:
- Requires Interactive Brokers account (not beginner-friendly)
- Limited market variety (macro/policy focus)
- Higher barrier to entry
- Not designed for casual users
- Smaller prediction market community
Availability: United States and countries where Interactive Brokers operates.
8. Drift BET
Best for: DeFi traders who want fast, low-cost prediction markets on Solana
Drift BET is Solana's leading prediction market protocol, offering instant settlements with minimal fees. Built on the Drift perpetuals exchange, Drift BET fixes many of the issues found in Ethereum-based prediction markets - namely speed and cost.
Key features:
- Built on Solana (sub-second finality)
- Multi-collateral support (USDC, SOL, and more)
- Instant settlement
- Integrated with Drift's broader DeFi ecosystem
- Decentralized with on-chain transparency
Fees:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Trading fee | <1% |
| Gas fees (Solana) | <$0.01 |
| Deposit/Withdrawal | Network fees only |
Pros:
- Fastest settlement of any prediction market (Solana speed)
- Lowest fees in the DeFi prediction market space
- Multi-collateral support
- No position limits
- Integrated with broader Drift DeFi ecosystem
Cons:
- Requires Solana wallet (Phantom, Solflare)
- Smaller liquidity than Polymarket
- Fewer markets available
- Solana network risks (occasional outages)
- Not accessible to US users
- Steeper learning curve for non-DeFi users
Availability: Global (not available to US users). Accessible anywhere Solana-based DeFi is accessible.
9. Manifold
Best for: Learning prediction markets risk-free with play money
Manifold is a community-driven prediction platform that uses play money (called Mana) instead of real capital. Anyone can create markets on any topic, making it the most open and experimental prediction platform available.
Why Manifold matters:
Manifold is the best place to learn how prediction markets work without risking real money. The open market creation system means you'll find markets on everything from AI milestones to obscure pop culture questions. It's also widely used in the effective altruism and rationalist communities for group forecasting.
Key features:
- Play money (Mana) - no real money at risk
- Anyone can create markets on any topic
- Open-source platform
- Active community of forecasters
- Reputation and leaderboard system
Fees: Free. No real money involved.
Pros:
- Zero financial risk - perfect for learning
- Unlimited market creation on any topic
- Active, engaged community
- Great for developing prediction skills before using real-money platforms
- Open-source and transparent
Cons:
- No real money - can't earn actual profits
- Play money reduces trading seriousness and accuracy incentives
- Markets can be low quality (no curation)
- Resolution disputes can be subjective
- Not a substitute for real-money market signals
Availability: Global. Free access for anyone.
10. Metaculus
Best for: Scientific forecasting, AI predictions, and long-term research questions
Metaculus isn't a traditional prediction market - it's a reputation-based forecasting platform focused on long-term, analytical questions. Instead of trading contracts, users submit probability estimates and build track records over time. Metaculus is widely regarded as one of the most accurate forecasting platforms available.
Why Metaculus matters:
Metaculus specializes in questions that other platforms don't touch: "When will AGI be achieved?", "What will global temperature rise be by 2050?", scientific breakthroughs, pandemic risks, and technological milestones. Its forecaster community includes researchers, scientists, and policy analysts who take these questions seriously.
Key features:
- Reputation-based forecasting (no real money)
- Specializes in scientific, technological, and long-term questions
- Numeric range and date-based predictions (not just binary yes/no)
- Strong emphasis on calibration and track record
- Used by researchers and policy organizations
Fees: Free. No money involved.
Pros:
- Highest analytical rigor of any forecasting platform
- Unique question types (numeric ranges, dates, conditional)
- Excellent calibration tracking and track record analysis
- Trusted by researchers and institutions
- Strong community of serious forecasters
- Free and accessible globally
Cons:
- Not a real-money market - no financial incentives
- Niche audience (research-focused)
- Slower-moving than real-money markets
- No sports, entertainment, or casual markets
- Interface less polished than commercial platforms
Availability: Global. Free access for anyone.
Side-by-Side Fee Comparison
Figure: Total fee cost on $50 profit across all 8 real-money prediction market platforms.
Fees can significantly impact your returns, especially for frequent traders. Here's every platform compared:
| Platform | Trading Fee | Deposit Fee | Withdrawal Fee | Gas/Network | Total Cost Example* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robinhood | $0 | Free | Free | None | $0 |
| Polymarket | ~2% on winnings | Network only | Network only | <$0.01 | ~$1.00 |
| Drift BET | <1% | Network only | Network only | <$0.01 | ~$0.50 |
| Kalshi | 1-2¢/contract | Free (ACH) | Free | None | ~$2.00 |
| Fanatics | 1-2¢/contract | Free | Free | None | ~$2.00 |
| Gemini | 1-2¢/contract | Varies | Standard | None | ~$2.50 |
| ForecastEx | IBKR rates | IBKR rates | IBKR rates | None | ~$2.00 |
| PredictIt | 10% profit + 5% withdrawal | Free | 5% | None | ~$8.50 |
| Manifold | Free | Free | N/A | None | $0 |
| Metaculus | Free | Free | N/A | None | $0 |
*Total cost example based on buying 100 contracts at $0.50, winning, and withdrawing $50 profit.
Key takeaway: Robinhood is the cheapest regulated option (free), Polymarket and Drift BET are the cheapest for crypto users, and PredictIt is by far the most expensive due to its 10% profit fee plus 5% withdrawal fee.
Which Platform Is Right for You?
Figure: Decision flowchart to find the right prediction market based on your location, experience, and priorities.
Use this decision framework to find your best fit:
By Location
| Your Location | Best Options |
|---|---|
| United States | Kalshi (best overall), Robinhood (cheapest), Fanatics (sports), PredictIt (politics) |
| Europe (UK, Germany, NL) | Polymarket (best liquidity), Drift BET (DeFi), Manifold (free) |
| Europe (France, Italy, Portugal) | Polymarket blocked. Use Kalshi via VPN (legal gray area) or Manifold/Metaculus (free) |
| Latin America | Polymarket (best access), Drift BET (DeFi) |
| Turkey | Polymarket (accessible, high crypto adoption) |
| Brazil | Polymarket (accessible, regulatory uncertainty) |
| Asia | Polymarket, Drift BET |
By Experience Level
| Your Level | Best Options | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Complete beginner | Robinhood or Manifold | Robinhood: familiar interface, zero fees. Manifold: play money, zero risk |
| Intermediate | Kalshi or Polymarket | Full-featured platforms with deep liquidity |
| Advanced/DeFi native | Polymarket or Drift BET | No position limits, on-chain transparency, lowest fees |
| Institutional | ForecastEx or Kalshi | Professional tools, regulatory compliance |
By Interest
| Your Interest | Best Platform | Why |
|---|---|---|
| US politics | Kalshi or PredictIt | Deepest political markets for US events |
| Global politics | Polymarket | Widest international political coverage |
| Sports (US) | Kalshi or Fanatics | CFTC-regulated sports contracts |
| Sports (global) | Polymarket | FIFA World Cup, Premier League, global sports |
| Crypto prices | Polymarket | Most crypto-specific markets with deep liquidity |
| Economics/Fed | Kalshi or ForecastEx | Strong macro-economic market coverage |
| Science/AI/Tech | Metaculus | The only serious scientific forecasting platform |
| Entertainment | Kalshi or Polymarket | Oscars, Grammys, pop culture events |
By Priority
| Your Priority | Best Platform | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest fees | Robinhood (regulated) or Drift BET (DeFi) | Zero commissions / <1% |
| Regulatory safety | Kalshi | CFTC-regulated, segregated funds |
| Biggest markets | Polymarket | Deepest liquidity globally |
| No crypto needed | Kalshi, Robinhood, PredictIt | Fiat deposits via bank/card |
| No position limits | Polymarket or Drift BET | Trade as large as you want |
| Privacy | Polymarket or Drift BET | Minimal or no KYC |
| Learning first | Manifold | Play money, zero risk |
Regional Availability Guide
Figure: Prediction market platform availability by region — which platforms work in your country.
One of the biggest factors in choosing a prediction market is whether it actually works in your country. Here's a comprehensive breakdown:
| Country/Region | Kalshi | Polymarket | Robinhood | PredictIt | Drift BET | Manifold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Yes (most states) | Rolling out (waitlist) | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| United Kingdom | No | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Germany | No | Yes (gray area) | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| France | No | Blocked | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Italy | No | Blocked | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Portugal | No | Blocked | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Netherlands | No | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Turkey | No | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Brazil | No | Yes (uncertainty) | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Argentina | No | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Mexico | No | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Canada | No | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Australia | No | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Japan | No | Restricted | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Singapore | No | Blocked | No | No | Restricted | Yes |
Important notes:
- Regulations change frequently. Always verify current access before depositing funds
- "Yes" means the platform is accessible and operational, not necessarily that it's explicitly regulated in that jurisdiction
- Decentralized platforms (Polymarket, Drift BET) are harder to block but may still have legal restrictions
- Manifold and Metaculus are free/play-money platforms accessible almost everywhere
2026 Events Driving Prediction Market Volume
Choosing a platform now matters because 2026 has some of the highest-volume prediction market events in history coming up:
FIFA World Cup 2026 (June 11 - July 19)
The biggest sporting event on the planet, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This is the first World Cup with 48 teams (expanded from 32).
- Polymarket already has $90+ million in trading volume on World Cup winner markets
- Spain leads at ~16% probability, followed by England, France, Argentina, and Brazil
- Expect massive volume spikes as the tournament approaches
- Best platforms for World Cup: Polymarket (global, deepest liquidity), Kalshi (US regulated)
US Midterm Elections (November 2026)
Control of Congress is at stake, with all 435 House seats and 33-34 Senate seats up for election.
- Prediction markets showed 85% confidence they will outperform traditional polls for midterm accuracy
- Historical volume for US elections has driven billions in prediction market trades
- Best platforms for Midterms: Kalshi (US regulated, deepest political markets), Polymarket (global access)
Other High-Volume Events
| Event | Expected Timing | Best Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Fed rate decisions | Every 6 weeks | Kalshi, ForecastEx |
| NBA Playoffs/Finals | April-June | Kalshi, Fanatics |
| UEFA Champions League | Feb-June | Polymarket |
| Oscars/Grammys | Feb-March | Kalshi, Polymarket |
| Bitcoin price milestones | Ongoing | Polymarket |
| AI milestones (AGI, regulations) | Ongoing | Metaculus, Polymarket |
How to Use Coinrithm to Research Prediction Markets
Before committing real money to any platform, you should research what markets are actually available and what the current odds look like. Coinrithm's Prediction Markets page lets you do exactly that.
Why Research on Coinrithm First
| Benefit | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Browse without a wallet | See all markets, prices, and trends without connecting a wallet or creating an account |
| Aggregated view | All markets in one place with filters for category, volume, trending |
| Market details | Volume, liquidity, outcomes, price charts, and resolution rules for every market |
| Multi-language | Available in 8 languages |
| Cross-platform research | Compare markets before deciding which platform to trade on |
How to Use It
- Visit Coinrithm Prediction Markets
- Filter by category (Politics, Crypto, Sports, Finance, etc.) or use Trending/New tabs
- Click any market to see full details: outcomes, probabilities, volume, charts, and resolution rules
- Read the resolution rules - This is the most important step before trading (see our beginner guide for why)
- Click "Open on Polymarket" when ready to trade
Current Coinrithm stats (February 2026):
- 11,500+ active markets
- $62M+ total volume tracked
- $23M+ 24-hour volume
- $102M+ total liquidity
Coinrithm also offers crypto tracking, portfolio management, and mock trading - all in one platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best prediction market platform overall?
It depends on your location and needs. For US users, Kalshi is the best overall due to CFTC regulation, fiat deposits, and broad market coverage. For global users, Polymarket offers the deepest liquidity and widest market variety. For beginners in the US, Robinhood provides the simplest entry with zero fees.
Are prediction markets legal?
In the United States, prediction markets are federally legal and regulated by the CFTC. Platforms like Kalshi, Robinhood (via Kalshi), and PredictIt operate under CFTC oversight. However, some states have challenged sports-related contracts under local gambling laws. Internationally, legality varies by country - always check your local regulations before trading.
What is the difference between Polymarket and Kalshi?
Polymarket is decentralized (blockchain-based, uses USDC, global access, no position limits, ~2% fee on winnings). Kalshi is centralized (CFTC-regulated, uses USD via bank account, US-only, $25K position limit, 1-2¢ per contract fee). Choose Kalshi for regulatory protection and fiat access. Choose Polymarket for global access, deeper liquidity, and no position limits.
Can I use prediction markets in the US?
Yes. Kalshi, Robinhood, Fanatics Markets, PredictIt, Gemini Predictions, and ForecastEx are all available to US users. Polymarket is re-entering the US market via waitlist as of February 2026. Some platforms have restrictions in specific states (notably Nevada for Kalshi sports contracts).
Which prediction market has the lowest fees?
Robinhood offers zero-commission prediction market trading (powered by Kalshi). Among crypto-native platforms, Drift BET charges less than 1%. Polymarket charges approximately 2% on net winnings. PredictIt has the highest fees at 10% on profits plus 5% on withdrawals.
Do I need cryptocurrency to use prediction markets?
No. Kalshi, Robinhood, PredictIt, Fanatics Markets, and Gemini Predictions all accept fiat (USD) deposits via bank transfer or debit card. You only need crypto for decentralized platforms like Polymarket (USDC on Polygon) and Drift BET (USDC/SOL on Solana).
Which prediction market is best for sports betting?
For US users, Kalshi and Fanatics Markets offer CFTC-regulated sports contracts. Polymarket has the deepest liquidity for global sports events like the FIFA World Cup. Kalshi saw over $1 billion in Super Bowl LX volume alone, making it the clear leader for US sports events.
What happened to Polymarket in the US?
Polymarket settled with the CFTC in 2022 and left the US market. In mid-2025, Polymarket acquired QCEX (a CFTC-licensed derivatives exchange) for $112 million. The platform began rolling out US access in December 2025 via waitlist, starting with sports markets. Full public launch is expected in late February 2026.
Are prediction markets the same as gambling?
Prediction markets and gambling share similarities (risking money on outcomes), but they serve different primary purposes. Prediction markets are designed for information discovery and probability estimation - prices reflect crowd consensus on likely outcomes. There's no house edge; you trade against other participants. The CFTC regulates prediction markets as event contracts, distinct from gambling regulation.
Can I lose all my money on prediction markets?
Yes. If the outcome you bet on doesn't happen, your contracts become worthless ($0.00). This is true on every platform. Always practice proper risk management: never invest more than you can afford to lose, diversify across markets, and read resolution rules carefully before trading. Consider practicing on Manifold (play money) or Coinrithm Mock Trade first.
What is the minimum amount to start trading on prediction markets?
Most platforms have very low minimums. Kalshi and Robinhood allow trades from $1. PredictIt has a $1 minimum. Polymarket has no official minimum (but $50-$100 USDC is practical given gas fees). Manifold and Metaculus are free. Start small while learning.
Which prediction markets will have the most volume in 2026?
The FIFA World Cup 2026 (June-July) and US Midterm Elections (November) are expected to be the two largest volume drivers. Polymarket already has $90+ million in World Cup trading volume. Kalshi's $2.8 billion Super Bowl week suggests even larger volumes for the World Cup and elections.
Conclusion
The prediction market landscape in 2026 is the most competitive and accessible it's ever been. Whether you're a US-based trader wanting CFTC regulation, a global crypto user seeking the deepest liquidity, or a complete beginner who wants to learn risk-free, there's a platform built for you.
Here's how to get started:
- Research first - Browse live markets on Coinrithm Prediction Markets to see what's active and trending
- Pick your platform using the decision framework above
- Start small - Begin with a small amount while you learn how markets work
- Read resolution rules - Always understand exactly how a market settles before trading (see our beginner guide)
- Watch the calendar - FIFA World Cup (June) and US Midterms (November) will be the biggest events of the year
Remember:
- No platform is perfect - each has trade-offs between regulation, fees, access, and market variety
- Prediction markets involve real financial risk. Only trade what you can afford to lose
- Fees matter over time - compare the fee table before choosing
- Start with Manifold (play money) if you want zero-risk practice first
- Use Coinrithm for research, then trade on the platform that fits your needs
Ready to explore prediction markets?
Browse Prediction Markets on Coinrithm - Discover thousands of active markets across politics, crypto, sports, and more.
New to prediction markets? Read our complete beginner guide: What Is Polymarket? How Prediction Markets Work.
Want to practice trading first? Try Coinrithm Mock Trade - Practice crypto trading risk-free with $50,000 virtual USDT.
Last Updated: February 17, 2026
Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not financial, legal, or investment advice. Prediction markets involve financial risk - you can lose your entire investment. Verify the legal status of prediction markets in your jurisdiction before participating. Only trade money you can afford to lose. Platform features, fees, and availability can change at any time. Always verify current information directly with each platform before trading.