Best Prediction Markets for 2025

Explore the right prediction markets for you

Explore the right prediction markets for you

Explore Different Prediction Markets

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Kalshi

Trade yes/no contracts on sports, politics, and more

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Betting strategies, new tools, and discounts. 3 minutes to read, delivered every Friday.

The BetSmarter Newsletter

Betting strategies, new tools, and discounts. 3 minutes to read, delivered every Friday.

Explore Other Types of Betting Platforms

Betting Exchanges Overview
Betting Exchanges Overview
Betting Exchanges Overview

Exchanges

Learn how betting exchanges work, how they differ from sportsbooks, and why sharp bettors use them to unlock better odds and lower fees.

Funded Trading overview
Funded Trading overview
Funded Trading overview

Funded Trading

Learn how funded sports trading platforms work, how to qualify for funding, and why this model is growing in sports betting.

Learn More About Prediction Markets

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NFL Player Prop Tool Article
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MLB Player Prop Tool article
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player prop betting breakdown
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best line shopping apps for bettors
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Understanding Prediction Markets: Event-Based Betting for the Data-Driven

What Are Prediction Markets?

Prediction markets are platforms where users buy and sell shares in the outcome of real-world events—sports, politics, economics, and more. These outcomes trade like stocks, with prices moving based on market sentiment and volume.

Rather than setting odds like a sportsbook or matching peers like an exchange, prediction markets use a trading interface where the “price” of a contract reflects the probability of an event happening (e.g., $0.63 = 63% implied chance).

How Prediction Markets Work

Here’s how the core structure works:

  • Each event (e.g., “Team A wins the championship” or “Candidate X wins the election”) is represented by a binary contract: yes or no.

  • You can buy shares of either outcome at a price between $0.01 and $0.99.

  • When the event resolves, winning shares pay out $1.00; losing shares become worthless.

  • Prices change in real time as other users buy/sell based on new info or sentiment shifts.

It’s essentially event-based trading instead of traditional fixed-odds betting.

Examples of Prediction Market Platforms

Some leading platforms in this space include:

  • Kalshi – Regulated U.S. prediction market focused on politics, economics, and macro events.

  • Polymarket – Crypto-based, decentralized prediction market for everything from sports to current events.

  • Insight Prediction – More open-ended, prediction platform built for traders across topics.

Prediction Markets vs. Sportsbooks & Exchanges

Platform Type

Who You Bet Against

Market Type

Odds/Prices

Example Use Case

Sportsbook

The house

Fixed odds

Set by book

Bet $100 on Team A to win at -110

Betting Exchange

Other users

Peer-to-peer

Set by supply/demand

Lay Team A, back Team B

Prediction Market

Other users + system

Event-based contracts

$0.01–$0.99 trading

Buy $0.40 shares that Team A wins title

Prediction markets blur the line between betting and trading. They require a more analytical, probability-driven mindset and reward early information, news monitoring, and value forecasting.

Why People Use Prediction Markets

Prediction markets attract:

  • Traders who want to profit off public sentiment shifts

  • Bettors looking for sharper pricing and unique markets

  • Researchers and institutions who study forecasting accuracy

They’re especially powerful in markets like:

  • Politics (e.g., “Who will win the 2024 election?”)

  • Economic data (e.g., “Will inflation exceed 3% by Q3?”)

  • Social events (e.g., “Will [event] happen before [date]?”)

  • Sports (though less popular here due to lower liquidity)

Legal Status and Considerations

  • Kalshi is CFTC-regulated in the U.S.

  • Polymarket is banned in some regions due to crypto regulations

  • PredictIt was previously the most popular U.S. political market, but its legal status changed in 2023

  • Some platforms are offshore or decentralized, so proceed with caution and do your own diligence

Prediction Markets FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about prediction markets.

Here are some frequently asked questions about prediction markets.

Here are some frequently asked questions about prediction markets.

What is a prediction market?

What is a prediction market?

What is a prediction market?

How do prediction markets differ from sportsbooks?

How do prediction markets differ from sportsbooks?

How do prediction markets differ from sportsbooks?

Are prediction markets legal in the U.S.?

Are prediction markets legal in the U.S.?

Are prediction markets legal in the U.S.?

Can I use prediction markets to bet on sports?

Can I use prediction markets to bet on sports?

Can I use prediction markets to bet on sports?

What’s the best strategy for using prediction markets?

What’s the best strategy for using prediction markets?

What’s the best strategy for using prediction markets?

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Betting strategies, new tools, and discounts. 3 minutes to read, delivered every Friday.

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Join Other Smart Bettors

Don't Gamble; Bet Smarter.

Betting strategies, new tools, and discounts. 3 minutes to read, delivered every Friday.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Expert reviews & comparisons of 30+ sports betting tools that help you find your edge & bet smarter.

21+. Please play responsibly. For support with a gambling addiction, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

© 2025 BetSmart. All rights reserved

Expert reviews & comparisons of 30+ sports betting tools that help you find your edge & bet smarter.

21+. Please play responsibly. For support with a gambling addiction, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

© 2025 BetSmart. All rights reserved

Expert reviews & comparisons of 30+ sports betting tools that help you find your edge & bet smarter.

21+. Please play responsibly. For support with a gambling addiction, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

© 2025 BetSmart. All rights reserved