Best prediction markets: Top US apps and sites for 2026

Finding the best prediction markets may seem daunting, with new platforms opening shop each week. Luckily, we’re here to highlight the prediction market apps that offer the top bonus value, existing-user promos and standout features to make the most of your contract trading experience.Kalshi, Polymarket US and ProphetX earned high marks in our ranking of the best prediction market apps. Each site has gained massive popularity during the contract trading boom and offers must-have sign-up bonuses. Check below to see which competing prediction markets made the cut.Prediction market appsWelcome offerPromo codeKalshiTrade $25, get a $25 bonusALCOMPolymarket USDeposit $10 to earn a $20 bonusALCOMProphetXPlace a $10 trade, get a $20 bonusALCOMDraftKings PredictionsPlace a $5 trade, get a $150 bonusNo code neededFanatics MarketsUp to $170 FanCash with daily trade matchesNo code neededNovigDeposit $10, get $25 bonus trading creditsNo code neededBest prediction market apps, reviewedA flashy welcome offer with a high bonus payout is great, but players should consider more than the sign-up bonus before joining one of the top prediction markets. Some sites specialize in sports or crypto trading depth, while others excel in liquidity rewards or accepted payment options. Here’s what you need to know about the six best prediction market sites.Kalshi – First pick: Strongest total offer (welcome bonus and ongoing promos)Kalshi stands tall as the most popular prediction market in the U.S. Part of Kalshi’s success is thanks to the consistent promo and bonus offers for new and returning customers.It starts with the Kalshi promo code ALCOM, delivering a $25 bonus if you place $25 in trades within 30 days. Customers can satisfy the trade requirement by taking positions on any market, including sports, politics, culture, economics and more.Kalshi also offers 3.25% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) if you keep $250 or more in your account balance, including open positions. This allows your cash bankroll to increase without making accurate predictions, although APY is variable and subject to change.Last but not least is the refer-a-friend program. A $25 bonus goes to both parties if a friend signs up with Kalshi through your unique referral link. Existing customers can earn up to $1,000 in bonuses through the referral promo.Ready to start trading? Sign up with Kalshi today using promo code ALCOM and see for yourself why it’s the top prediction market platform in the U.S.Polymarket US – Runner-up: Best overall bonus valueSome traders were frustrated with Polymarket US when they had to join a waitlist before creating an account. Potential customers will be happy to know the waitlist has been lifted, granting instant access to trading markets, promos and other features.Grab the Polymarket US promo code ALCOM to unlock the most straightforward welcome offer on the board. Once your account is active, a $10 deposit is the only requirement to pick up $20 in bonuses. There’s no trade threshold to meet, as your initial $10 deposit is doubled in trading credits.The referral programs with many of the best prediction market apps are similar, but Polymarket US deserves credit for creativity. Start by sharing any market or profile page with a friend. If they click the link and sign up, you receive 5% or 10% of the friend’s trading fees depending on the referral type. The only catch is that you must reach $10,000 in lifetime trading volume to qualify for the referral program, which is a hefty total to meet.Ready to jump in? Sign up with Polymarket US today using promo code ALCOM and see why traders are calling it one of the easiest welcome offers around.ProphetX – Best for sports event contractsAfter testing its luck in the sweepstakes game, ProphetX is one of the newest US prediction markets in the industry following a June 2026 launch. Unlike Kalshi and Polymarket US, which offer trading markets on a variety of topics, ProphetX customers can only take positions on sporting events.The options may be limited compared to competitors, but ProphetX’s sports trading catalog is quite impressive. Users can predict popular leagues, such as the NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL. Niche markets are also available for international soccer, tennis and combat sports.The ProphetX promo code ALCOM is ideal for sports-focused traders who are interested in crafting multi-leg parlays. New users can register and trade $10 to activate a $20 bonus payout. Ready to trade the games you actually watch? Sign up with ProphetX today using promo code ALCOM and start building your first sports-focused prediction portfolio.DraftKings Predictions: Best for beginners and ease of useThe best prediction markets are a major disruptor in the sports betting space. Some state regulators have pushed back by restricting residents from predicting sports outcomes. DraftKings decided if you can’t beat them, join them.DraftKings Predictions went live in December 2025, adding another crucial element to the company’s wide-ranging ecosystem. Customers can now download one app to access all of DraftKings gaming businesses, including the sportsbook, casino, daily fantasy sports, horse racing and predictions.Users will notice the similar site design and feel between DraftKings Predictions and DraftKings Sportsbook. The familiarity makes it easy for sports bettors to transition to contract trading. DraftKings Predictions also allows you to switch the trading markets to display American odds instead of prices and probabilities. Fanatics Markets: Best for loyalty rewardsFanatics is best known as a titan in the online sports merchandising industry. However, its offerings extend far beyond jerseys, hats and memorabilia.Following the success of prediction markets such as Kalshi and Polymarket US, Fanatics decided to launch its own contract-trading site in December 2025. Like DraftKings, the Fanatics Markets site layout and interface are similar to its sportsbook counterpart. Despite the connection to Fanatics Sportsbook, the prediction market supports trading options for sports, economics, companies, politics, culture and crypto.The loyalty value with Fanatics Markets is unmatched by the most popular prediction markets. Every trade you submit earns up to 10% in FanCash, the loyalty currency used across the Fanatics landscape. FanCash is versatile because it’s redeemable for bonuses with Fanatics Markets or the Fanatics Sportsbook, online casino spins, live card breaks, exclusive items and more. You can even use FanCash to fund your next purchase on Fanatics.com. Novig – Best for fee-free trading and sports market varietyThe customer base at Novig isn’t as large as the prediction markets mentioned above, resulting in lower trading liquidity. However, Novig more than makes up for the lack of liquidity with other perks and features.The biggest pro of predicting with Novig is avoiding trading fees, which are common at Kalshi and ProphetX. Fees are also present when you pay the vig with a sportsbook. With no fees applied to most trade types, Novig promo code customers keep more of each trade, which leads to more profit in their accounts.Sports trading is the only option at Novig, but the market selection is expansive. Users can take positions on moneylines, point spreads, point totals, props and futures. Trading flexibility is another strength, as Novig allows you to adjust your contract mid-game or sell positions to earn a return.How we rank the top prediction marketsNo two prediction markets are the same. Each site has distinct strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to apply the same grading standards across the board to formulate neutral rankings. Our reviews rely on first-hand experience with the best prediction market platforms.Our methodology: Bonus and promo value weighted heaviest (~60%)A strong sign-up bonus is typically an indicator of a quality prediction market. Our focus goes to the value of a welcome offer rather than the potential bonus payout.For example, the Kalshi new-user promo grants access to a $25 bonus when you place $25 in trades. Having to trade $25 may seem pricey, especially when you only need to deposit $10 with the Polymarket US and ProphetX welcome bonuses.However, Kalshi customers get 30 days to complete the $25 trade requirement. This provides ample time to hit the threshold and earn the $25 bonus. Recurring promos are also essential because you don’t want to be left empty-handed after spending the bonuses from a new-user promo. We prioritize U.S. prediction markets that offer refer-a-friend programs, interest on account balances and loyalty benefits.Supporting criteria: Regulation, fees, market variety and liquidityWe typically recommend only signing up with legal prediction markets that are regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). The CFTC currently provides oversight on the U.S. prediction markets space.The CFTC is a government agency that monitors derivatives markets to ensure fairness and transparency. It also protects against fraudulent and manipulative trading activity.Trading fees are another distinguishing factor when comparing prediction markets. Fees vary by platform, with higher-priced contracts generally drawing higher charges. Novig separates from the pack because customers avoid fees with many popular trade types.Novig and ProphetX are strong choices if you’re strictly interested in swapping sports contracts. Users looking for more options in entertainment, politics and global affairs should look toward Kalshi or Fanatics Markets. Always check the market variety with a trading platform before opening an account.Liquidity is the final element in our grading scale. A prediction market lacking liquidity leaves customers with fewer trading options, high contract prices and weak order books. Low liquidity also makes it difficult to sell a position before a market settles.Newer prediction markets have less liquidity as they work to grow their customer base. The most popular prediction markets, such as Kalshi and Polymarket US, have higher liquidity because more users are buying and selling contracts with those sites.How we pick the best prediction marketsThere are a few reasons we consider Kalshi to be the best prediction market app. The $25 trade requirement attached to the Kalshi sign-up bonus is steeper than rival sites, but customers get 30 days to complete it. Once the requirement is satisfied, the $25 bonus payout is higher than the welcome offers at Polymarket US and ProphetX.The CFTC regulates Kalshi in more than 40 states, including some jurisdictions that don’t allow online sports betting. Kalshi is a great alternative in those states, but it also offers trading options on politics, pop culture, finance and more.Kalshi charges processing fees that fall within the industry standard. Sports markets are the most popular option at Kalshi, providing deep liquidity when predicting outcomes in the NFL, college football, MLB, NBA and other leagues.What are prediction markets and how do they work?Despite the significant rise in popularity over the past two years, many potential users are left asking what are prediction markets? The confusion is understandable because prediction markets grew much faster than industry experts anticipated. They were once thought to be a fad but are clearly here for the long haul.Event contracts explained (you trade contracts, not bets)One misconception is that prediction market apps operate under the same legal framework as a sports betting site. In reality, prediction markets USA are classified as financial exchanges, not sportsbooks. Therefore, the terminology varies depending on the activity you’re participating in. Sportsbooks accept bets and wagers, while prediction market users make trades and take positions.Prediction market traders purchase binary “Yes” or “No” contracts on event outcomes. For instance, let’s say you want to take a position on the Iron Bowl between Alabama and Auburn. If you want to predict a Crimson Tide victory, you’d purchase their “Yes” contracts in the game winner market.Price = implied probability (a $0.70 contract ≅ 70%)To fully understand how prediction markets work, you must also know that trading markets don’t display American odds such as -110 or +250. The prediction markets at DraftKings and Fanatics allow you to toggle on American odds, but prediction market-native sites like Kalshi and Polymarket US do not.Instead of showing odds in a trading market, most platforms display prices and probabilities. For example, Polymarket US’s 2027 pro football championship market gives the Rams a league-leading 15% chance to raise the Lombardi Trophy. The probabilities are directly connected to the contract pricing, so it costs $0.15 to buy one share on Los Angeles winning the Super Bowl.If Rams head coach Sean McVay wins a second Super Bowl, your trade settles as a winner, and each contract closes at $1. You would then receive an $0.85 profit for each Rams contract you purchased.Buying, selling and how markets resolveOnce you find a market you’d like to take a position on, click the price on the prediction market app. Then, enter the amount you’d like to trade or the number of shares you wish to purchase and hit submit.Now that you own contracts for a given market, you can take one of two routes. If you purchase contracts at $0.50 apiece but the price later increases to $0.70, you can sell your shares and earn a $0.20 profit per contract. You can also sell your shares if the price drops below $0.50, but you’ll take a net loss on the transaction.The second option is holding onto your shares until the market settles. With the Rams Super Bowl example above, the market will resolve once the final whistle blows for the big game on February 14, 2027. Your Los Angeles shares could also settle earlier as a loss if the Rams miss the playoffs or get eliminated before the Super Bowl.Each trading market comes with rules that detail how and when a market will settle. Always read the market rules to understand what must happen for your trade to resolve as a winner.Prediction market bonuses and promo codesThe best prediction market sites offer incentives to first-time customers. The prediction market promos vary by platform, but most deals follow one of two models. Another commonality is that each welcome offer provides bonuses, which are particularly useful for those with no contract-trading experience. Rather than placing cash trades while you learn the ropes, users can make predictions with trading bonuses. If a trade placed with a bonus wins, you will receive credits or cash in your account balance, depending on the terms and conditions of the specific prediction market platform you’re using. If a trade placed with a bonus loses, the credits are forfeited.How welcome offers and promos work (18+, new users, restrictions)A promo code is normally required to activate a prediction market welcome offer. For instance, the code ALCOM must be entered during registration to claim the sign-up bonuses at Kalshi, Polymarket US and ProphetX.The trade-and-get promo is the most common offer you’ll come across with the top prediction markets. This deal includes trading a specific amount after account creation to receive a bonus. With Kalshi, new customers can submit $25 in total trades to land a $25 bonus.Deposit-match promos are another popular option. Simply meet a minimum deposit requirement, and bonuses are added to your account wallet. First-time users with Polymarket US enjoy a $20 bonus after depositing $10 or more.Prediction market promos are constantly changing depending on the time of year. With the NFL and college football ramping up, ProphetX may increase the value of its new-user promo. If you see an offer that piques your interest, grab it before the deal expires.You must be 18 or older and a new registrant to claim a prediction market welcome offer. Prediction markets are available in more than 40 states, including Alabama, California and Texas. You cannot sign up if prediction markets are restricted in your jurisdiction. Reading deposit-match/trading-credit terms and total offer valuePrediction market sign-up bonuses come with terms and conditions that must be followed to remain eligible for the promo. If you’re claiming a trade-and-get promo, the trade threshold must be satisfied within a predetermined timeframe. The same applies when activating a deposit-match offer.Kalshi gives customers 30 days to reach the $25 trade requirement. The user-friendly terms and conditions allow customers to take their time while chipping away at it, rather than feeling rushed to complete the requirement within a shorter timeframe.The Kalshi $25 bonus may be the largest welcome offer, but that doesn’t mean it carries the best value. Some users may prioritize the deals at Polymarket US and ProphetX because the barrier to entry is significantly lower at $10. It’s wise to compare the terms and conditions of prediction market promos, not just the total bonus value.Once a bonus enters your account, it must be spent within a certain time period to avoid expiration. Bonuses generally expire seven days after issuance, but the expiration window varies by site.Are prediction markets legal in the US?The top prediction markets are legal in most states. However, some state regulators have successfully fought to ban event-contract trading in their jurisdictions. Sports trading is restricted in some states, but eligible residents can still take positions on politics, climate, crypto and other non-sports topics.Those wondering are prediction markets legal in the U.S. can review our comprehensive guide on availability and market restrictions.Legal status: CFTC-regulated contracts, availability varies by stateLegal prediction markets, such as DraftKings Predictions and Fanatics Markets, are overseen by the CFTC. The government agency ensures platforms meet regulatory requirements surrounding compliance, integrity and fairness for customers. Some trading markets are exposed to insider trading, and it’s the CFTC’s job to identify bad actors.The CFTC regulates the best prediction market platforms at a federal level, but contract trading is not available in all 50 states. Check the legal status of prediction markets in your state before opening an account with a site. What that means when you pick a platformConfirming your state allows event-contract trading is the first step when choosing between the most popular prediction markets. There’s no point in spending time on research and site comparisons if you live in a state like Nevada that prohibits prediction markets.If you reside in a qualifying state, always double-check that your chosen prediction market is regulated by the CFTC. The home page of a regulated sportsbook includes a state seal to verify the app’s legal status. However, a similar emblem doesn’t exist with prediction markets.Instead, users can check the CFTC’s industry filings page to find a list of safe and legal prediction markets. Switch the status view to designated to see prediction markets under active CFTC regulation.Prediction markets vs. sportsbooksIt’s easy to confuse a prediction market for a sportsbook. Both grant access to sports markets where customers can put money on expected outcomes. In fact, ProphetX and Novig only offer trading on sporting events. However, many core traits make the best prediction markets different from sportsbooks, including regulation and market variety. These are the key principles to consider when comparing prediction markets vs. sports betting.Event contracts vs. fixed-odds betsContract trading takes place in regulated, peer-to-peer marketplaces where users trade against each other. The prices and probabilities are determined by the trade volume within a market.In Polymarket US’s MLB World Series champion 2026 market, the Cubs hold the sixth-best probability at 6%. If an influx of Chicago’s “Yes” contracts are purchased, the contract price will increase to reflect the latest activity. Contract pricing and probability are constantly shifting based on supply and demand. The trading markets on prediction platforms offer an authentic view of the public sentiment on a topic.Customers who bet with a sportsbook are wagering against the house. Oddsmakers set lines to make the betting market as profitable as possible for the sportsbook. If heavy betting action comes in on one side of a wager, the sportsbook adjusts the odds accordingly.Since prediction markets don’t benefit if you lose a trade, they make money by charging small trading fees. However, sportsbooks also charge a built-in margin, known as the vig. Different regulators and why it matters for youTrading platforms are categorized as financial exchanges with federal regulation from the CFTC. Despite the federal oversight, prediction markets are not available nationwide. Availability varies by platform, with industry leader Kalshi accepting customers from more than 40 states.When the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018, states gained the freedom to legalize online sports betting. Sportsbooks are now accessible in 39 states and Washington, D.C.Sports betting sites must acquire licensing from a state gaming commission before launching in a new jurisdiction. Since sportsbooks are regulated on a state-by-state basis, they must adhere to different regulatory standards in each state.The regulatory framework behind prediction markets and sportsbooks is important because it determines which activity is available in your state. For instance, customers in Alabama, Georgia and Minnesota can’t sign up with a sportsbook, but they can take positions with the top prediction markets. Conversely, sportsbooks are legal in Ohio and Illinois, but contract trading is not allowed.Fees, funding and getting startedNow that we’ve covered the basics of contract trading, it’s time to choose from the best prediction markets and create an account. Determining what the best prediction market app for you is comes down to personal preference. Kalshi and Polymarket US are the top two platforms for a well-rounded experience, while sports-focused traders will appreciate the market selection at ProphetX and Novig. Registering a new profile is seamless if you have a valid ID and a payment method ready to go. Signing up and identity verification (18+, KYC)Begin by choosing your preferred platform and launching the registration page. New customers can follow any of the prediction market promo links or “Get Bonus” buttons on this page to get started.Then, supply the required personal information, including your full name, date of birth, address, contact information, the last four digits of your SSN and a photo of your government ID. Uploading a selfie may be necessary with some sites. Prediction markets use these details to verify your identity and location. You must be 18 or older and located in a qualifying state to activate an account with the top prediction markets.Funding: ACH/debit/USDC where applicableOnce your account is up and running, it’s time to deposit funds. If you’re claiming a prediction market promo, remember to satisfy the deposit-match requirement or add enough funds to complete the trade requirement.Customers can sort through an impressive list of options when choosing a payment type. The best prediction market apps accept ACH bank transfers, debit cards, e-wallets, wire transfers and crypto.Fees, spreads and liquidity to watchMany of the payment methods offered by prediction markets don’t charge deposit fees. However, debit card deposits incur a 2% processing fee. Transaction fees also come into play when placing trades. If you’re looking to avoid paying a bit extra on your trades, Polymarket US customers enjoy zero maker fees and low taker fees on most transactions.We recommend targeting prediction markets with deep liquidity, which measures the trade volume and waiting orders within a market. Deep liquidity matters because it impacts contract pricing and the number of trading options within a market.Prediction markets with low liquidity offer wider spreads, increasing the hidden costs when buying and selling contracts. Kalshi has the deepest liquidity for sports trading, while Polymarket US leads the way in politics and crypto. Best prediction markets FAQWhat’s the best prediction market app right now?Choosing the best prediction market app depends on your trading profile and personal preferences. However, we rank Kalshi as the top prediction market app in the industry. The app is sleek and easy to navigate, giving users quick access to countless trading options.How do prediction market bonuses and promo codes work?A promo code is necessary to activate the sign-up bonuses at most prediction markets. For Kalshi, Polymarket US and ProphetX, the promo code ALCOM unlocks each site’s welcome offer. You must then satisfy a deposit or trade requirement to earn a new-user bonus. The bonus is non-withdrawable and can only be used to place additional trades.Which prediction market is best for sports?Kalshi is the best prediction market for taking positions on sports outcomes. The site offers trading options for major events in the NFL, MLB, college football, PGA Tour and NBA, along with niche markets (cricket, rugby, chess, esports). We recommend ProphetX and Novig if you’re looking for a prediction market that strictly offers sports trading.Are prediction markets the same as sports betting?No, sports prediction markets and sports betting are not the same. Prediction markets are financial exchanges with federal regulation by the CFTC. Customers can buy and sell event contracts on sports, politics, finance and other topics. Sportsbooks are regulated on a state-by-state basis and only offer betting markets on sporting events. Which platform has the lowest fees?Polymarket US prides itself on offering the lowest transaction fees among the best prediction markets. Customers enjoy zero maker fees and negligible taker fees, making it a go-to for frequent traders. Novig also charges little to no fees on most transactions, but customers are limited to sports markets.Can you use more than one prediction market at once?Yes, users can create accounts and trade with multiple prediction markets simultaneously. In fact, price shopping across multiple prediction markets is recommended to get the best value on your trades. Joining various platforms also allows you to stack sign-up bonuses.What’s the minimum deposit to start trading?The standard minimum deposit across most prediction markets is $10, including Kalshi, Polymarket US and ProphetX.Are prediction markets legal in the U.S.?Yes, prediction markets are legal in a majority of the U.S., although there are still some states with active legal disputes. The CFTC currently regulates prediction markets at a federal level, providing oversight on the industry.Do prediction market apps require identity verification (KYC)?Yes, identity verification is required to register with the best prediction market apps. Trading platforms must confirm your age, identity and location before allowing you to open an account. Be prepared to provide your full name, address, birthdate, contact information and other personal details while signing up.If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.