Platforms
Prediction Market Platforms
A complete guide to the major prediction market platforms — from CFTC-regulated US exchanges to global crypto markets and nonprofit forecasting communities. Compare regulation, liquidity, access, and use cases to find the right platform for you.
Polymarket
Largest crypto prediction market
The world's largest prediction market by volume, operating on Polygon blockchain with USDC settlement. Accessible globally (outside the US) with deep liquidity on political, economic, and sports markets.
Settlement
USDC (Polygon)
Regulation
Unregulated
US Access
Restricted
Best For
High-volume political & crypto traders
Kalshi
First CFTC-regulated exchange
The first federally regulated prediction market in the US. Offers legally compliant event contracts on economic data, elections, weather, and sports to US residents with full regulatory protections.
Settlement
USD (bank transfer)
Regulation
CFTC-regulated DCM
US Access
Full access
Best For
US traders wanting regulatory protection
PredictIt
Political markets for US residents
Politically focused prediction market operating under a CFTC no-action letter. Limited to $850 per contract with a 10% profit fee. Historically the dominant US-accessible political market.
Settlement
USD
Regulation
No-action letter
US Access
Full access
Best For
Retail US political bettors
Metaculus
Reputation-based forecasting community
Non-financial forecasting platform with a strong track record on science, technology, and geopolitical questions. No money at stake — participants earn forecasting reputation and contribute to public good research.
Settlement
Reputation points
Regulation
Not applicable
US Access
Full access
Best For
Serious forecasters, researchers
Manifold Markets
Create markets on anything
Play-money prediction market with a vibrant community. Users can create markets on virtually any topic. No financial risk — uses proprietary Mana currency with optional real-money sweepstakes mode.
Settlement
Mana (play money)
Regulation
Not applicable
US Access
Full access
Best For
Casual forecasters, niche markets
ForecastEx
CFTC-regulated economic markets
CFTC Designated Contract Market focused on economic and financial data releases. Targets institutional and professional traders seeking regulated hedging instruments for macro exposure.
Settlement
USD
Regulation
CFTC-regulated DCM
US Access
Full access
Best For
Macro traders, institutional hedgers
Kalshi vs Polymarket: Which Is Right for You?
The two most liquid platforms differ significantly in regulation, access, and market types. Read our detailed comparison to understand the tradeoffs.
Read the comparison