Almost every prediction market trade in the US happens on a phone. You see a Fed decision, an NFL game or a CPI print move, you open an app and you buy or sell an event contract on the outcome, priced between $0.01 and $0.99 according to the market’s implied probability.
That makes the app itself, and not only the exchange behind it, the thing you live with every day: how fast it funds, how clearly it shows your position, whether it pushes a notification when a market you hold moves, and whether the markets you care about are even available in your state.
What you should know: prediction markets are regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) as event contracts, so they are not classified as gambling. They still carry risk: each contract settles at $1 or $0, so you can lose your entire position. State-level restrictions apply in some jurisdictions, particularly for sports contracts.
Best prediction market apps for US investors in 2026
- Plus500US: Best app for traders who want futures and event contracts in one place. New users can claim a $20 trading bonus with a promo code.
- Kalshi: Best app overall, with the widest market selection and direct exchange access
- Robinhood: Best app if you already hold stocks and crypto in the same account
- Polymarket: Best app for liquidity and crypto-native traders (USDC only)
- FanDuel Predicts: Best app for sports markets in non-betting states
- DraftKings Predictions: Best app for fantasy sports players
- PredictIt: Best for political markets, though it has no app and runs through the mobile site
Disclaimer: Trading event contracts involves risk. Each contract can settle at $1 or $0, meaning you can lose your entire investment on any given position. These apps are not sportsbooks, and prediction markets should not be confused with gambling, but the risks are real.
Prediction market apps compared
| App | iOS / Android | Trading fees* | Min. deposit | Funding |
| Plus500US | Yes / Yes | $0.01/contract + exchange fees | $10 (futures) | Bank, debit card |
| Kalshi | Yes / Yes | Variable (price-based) | $0 | ACH, wire, debit, crypto |
| Robinhood | Yes / Yes | $0.01-$0.02/contract | $0 | Bank, instant transfer, debit |
| Polymarket | Yes / Yes (US access still rolling out) | $0 on limit orders; small fee on market orders in select categories | $0 | USDC (crypto only) |
| FanDuel Predicts | Yes / Yes | 2% of potential payout | $0.01 | In-app deposit |
| DraftKings | Yes / Yes | $0.01/contract (per side) | $5 | In-app deposit |
| PredictIt | No native app (mobile site) | 10% on profits + 5% on withdrawals | $5 | Credit/debit card |
Note*: Fees shown reflect each platform’s standard commission structure. For apps that route orders to a third-party exchange (Plus500, Robinhood, DraftKings), additional exchange fees may apply. Actual trading costs also depend on order type and market liquidity.
Native app or mobile site?
Not every prediction market runs a native app. Some of these names have a dedicated app on both stores, one works essentially through the mobile site, and in a couple of cases the app you find in the store is a separate product from the main platform.
| Platform | iOS | Android | Notes |
| Plus500US | ✅ | ✅ | Prediction markets sit inside the Plus500 Futures app, alongside futures trading |
| Kalshi | ✅ | ✅ | Official app on both stores |
| Robinhood | ✅ | ✅ | Event contracts are a tab inside the main Robinhood app, not a separate download |
| Polymarket | ✅ | ✅ | The store apps are built around the Polymarket US product. Outside the US, Polymarket points users to the website instead |
| FanDuel | ✅ | ✅ | FanDuel Predicts is a separate app from the Sportsbook and Casino apps |
| DraftKings | ✅ | ✅ | DraftKings Predictions is a separate app from the main DraftKings apps |
| PredictIt | ❌ | ❌ | No official app on either store: it runs through the mobile site |
App availability checked in September 2026. Being listed in the App Store or Google Play does not mean the app can be used everywhere: US prediction market apps generally require US residency and verification, and some markets are further restricted by state.
App reviews
1# Plus500US
Plus500US launched its prediction markets offering in early February 2026, making it one of the newest entrants in the space, but it is backed by serious infrastructure. The app provides access to Kalshi’s CFTC-regulated event contracts, while Plus500 handles clearing through its membership with Kalshi Klear LLC.
What makes Plus500 our top pick among apps is that event contracts sit inside a proper trading app, not a separate product. If you already trade futures, the layout, the order ticket and the position screen will feel immediately familiar, and you can move between an E-mini S&P 500 contract and an event contract on economic, financial or geopolitical outcomes without leaving the app.
The $0.01 per contract commission is competitive and transparent. There are no deposit fees on the broker side (though your bank may charge separately), and the demo mode lets you explore the whole app with virtual funds before risking anything, which is rare in this category.
The app is also where the current sign-up offer lives: first-time depositors who trade at least $10 in Prediction Market contracts get a $20 trading bonus, using a promo code. We cover the conditions in our Plus500 promo code guide.
Plus500 is also the clearing partner for CME Group and FanDuel’s event-based contracts platform, which signals strong institutional credibility. As an FTSE 250 publicly listed company with over 33 million registered customers with the Plus500 Group since inception, the corporate backing here is unmatched by most prediction market startups.
The main limitation is that the app is essentially a front-end for Kalshi’s order book, so your liquidity and market selection depend on what Kalshi offers.
Pros
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Familiar broker interface for traditional traders
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Futures and prediction markets in the same app
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Low $0.01/contract commission
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Demo mode with virtual funds, rare in this category
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$20 trading bonus for first-time depositors (T&Cs apply)
- Backed by an FTSE 250 publicly listed company
Cons
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Exchange fees from Kalshi may apply on top of broker commission
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Liquidity depends on Kalshi's order book
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Newer entrant to prediction markets (launched Feb 2026)
- Does not support crypto deposits
For a deep dive, please read our Plus500US review.
2# Kalshi
Kalshi is the backbone of US prediction markets. As the first CFTC-designated contract market for event contracts, it provides the regulatory infrastructure that several other apps in this list (including Plus500 and Robinhood) rely on to offer their own prediction market products.
If you want the widest market selection on your phone, Kalshi is the natural choice. Its event contracts cover everything from Federal Reserve rate decisions and CPI releases to Super Bowl outcomes, Oscar winners and hurricane forecasts, and the app exposes the full order book rather than a simplified buy/sell screen. The platform generated $263.5 million in fee revenue in 2025 and was valued at $11 billion following its Series E round, making it one of the most well-capitalized fintech companies in the space.
The fee structure is worth understanding: rather than a flat rate, Kalshi charges based on the contract price. Contracts priced around 50 cents carry the highest fees, while those near 1 cent or 99 cents are significantly cheaper. Free ACH deposits help keep costs down, though the 2% debit card fee is a drawback when you are funding from your phone in a hurry.
Kalshi ranks second here only because the trading experience assumes some familiarity with order books. If that is what you want, it is the most complete app on this list.
Pros
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Full CFTC regulation, the gold standard
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Deepest market selection among regulated apps
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Full order book control in the mobile app
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Earns interest on cash balances
- Accepts crypto deposits (converted to USD)
Cons
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Fees apply on every trade and can add up for active traders
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2% fee on debit card deposits
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Higher fees on mid-priced (50c) contracts
- Order book interface is a steeper learning curve for beginners
3# Robinhood
Robinhood entered prediction markets in October 2024 with presidential election contracts and has since expanded aggressively. Its prediction market hub now features over 1,600 active markets, and event contracts have become the platform’s fastest-growing new product, with 8.5 billion contracts traded in Q4 2025 alone.
The biggest advantage of the Robinhood app is convenience. If you already hold stocks, ETFs or crypto there, event contracts appear as one more tab funded from the same balance, with no second app to install and no separate transfer to make.
The custom combo feature is unique on mobile: you can package up to 10 individual event contracts into a single multi-leg position, similar to parlay bets but structured as regulated financial contracts. Neither Kalshi nor Plus500 currently offer this.
The downside is cost. Robinhood adds its own commission layer on top of Kalshi’s exchange fees, which means you pay more per trade than going directly through Kalshi or Plus500. For active traders, that difference adds up.
Pros
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All-in-one app (stocks, crypto and predictions)
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Familiar interface for existing Robinhood users
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Free instant bank transfers
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Combo contracts for multi-event trading
- Live scores and real-time updates for sports contracts
Cons
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Adds its own fee layer on top of Kalshi's exchange
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Sports contracts restricted in MD, NJ and NV
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No crypto deposit option
- No demo account for prediction markets
4# Polymarket
Polymarket is the undisputed global volume leader in prediction markets, processing billions in trading volume monthly. Its liquidity is unmatched, and even multi-million dollar trades experience minimal slippage on major markets.
The zero-fee structure on most markets is a major advantage for active traders. Some newer categories carry taker fees, but the majority of Polymarket’s markets remain fee-free, making it the cheapest app here for high-volume trading.
The catch for US investors is access. Polymarket acquired QCEX (a CFTC-licensed exchange) in late 2025 and is gradually rolling out US access to waitlisted users, starting with sports markets. You also need a crypto wallet and USDC to fund the app, which is real friction if you expect to link a bank account and be trading in five minutes.
Pros
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Zero fees on the vast majority of markets
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Highest liquidity and deepest order books globally
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Widest range of markets across all categories
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Customizable dashboard for market monitoring
- Decentralized and non-custodial
Cons
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Requires USDC, a barrier for non-crypto users
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US access is still limited (waitlist-based)
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Regulatory status in the US still evolving
- Some state-level restrictions may apply
5# FanDuel Predicts
FanDuel Predicts launched in December 2025 as a standalone app, backed by a partnership between Flutter Entertainment (FanDuel’s parent company) and CME Group, the world’s largest derivatives marketplace. Flutter plans to invest $200-$300 million into the prediction market product in 2026.
The app is designed to give fans in non-betting states a legal way to engage with sports outcomes through regulated event contracts, and it reuses the FanDuel interface those users already know. Phase one covers sports, finance, economics and politics, with phase two expected to add crypto, stocks and pop culture.
Clearing is handled by Plus500, which adds institutional credibility. The trade-off is that the app is still early in its rollout, so market depth is thinner than on Kalshi.
Pros
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CME Group partnership adds institutional credibility
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Nationwide availability for general prediction markets
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Legal sports prediction markets in non-betting states
- Interface already familiar to millions of FanDuel users
Cons
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Still in phased rollout, with limited market depth
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Sports contracts only available in 18 states
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Less diverse market selection than Kalshi or Polymarket
- New app, track record still being established
6# DraftKings Predictions
DraftKings launched its Predictions product in December 2025 across 38 states. The app is particularly interesting because DraftKings acquired Railbird, an event contract exchange, and plans to roll out its Railbird-powered proprietary exchange later in 2026.
For now, the app serves primarily as a complement to DraftKings’ daily fantasy sports product, and it is most useful if that is already on your phone. The market selection is narrower than Kalshi or Polymarket, and the company did not include prediction market revenue in its fiscal 2026 guidance, which suggests the product is still in an early growth phase.
Pros
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Familiar brand and interface for fantasy sports players
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Building proprietary exchange infrastructure
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Available in 38 states
- Strong potential for growth in 2026
Cons
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Prediction markets revenue not yet included in guidance
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Proprietary exchange not yet live
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Narrower market selection currently
- Stock has declined 34%, reflecting investor uncertainty
7# PredictIt
PredictIt is the grandfather of US prediction markets. After years of legal battles with the CFTC, the platform won its lawsuit in July 2025 and received full regulatory approval in September 2025. For pure political forecasting, it offers unmatched depth, from presidential and congressional races to cabinet appointments and niche policy outcomes.
It is the outlier in this ranking because there is no official app on either store: the mobile experience runs through the site, so push notifications and one-tap funding are not part of the package.
The other drawback is cost. The 10% profit fee plus 5% withdrawal fee means you need roughly 16% gross returns just to break even after cashing out, making it the most expensive option in the US. The $3,500 position limit also restricts serious capital deployment.
PredictIt suits political junkies and policy researchers who value depth in down-ballot markets over app polish.
Pros
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Unmatched depth in political and down-ballot races
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Academic research heritage adds analytical credibility
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Less whale influence due to position limits
- Full CFTC approval after years of legal battles
Cons
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No polished native app experience
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Steepest fees in the industry (10% profits + 5% withdrawals)
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$3,500 position cap limits serious traders
- No sports, crypto or non-political markets
How prediction market apps work
Every app in this list does the same thing underneath: it lets you trade contracts based on the outcome of real-world events. Each contract is a binary question, “Will X happen?”, and its price reflects the market’s collective estimate of the probability.
Prices range from $0.01 to $0.99, with each cent roughly representing a 1% probability. If you buy a “Yes” contract at $0.35 and the event occurs, your contract settles at $1.00, a profit of $0.65 per contract. If the event does not occur, the contract settles at $0.00 and you lose your $0.35.
What differs between apps is the layer on top: whether you see a full order book or a simplified buy/sell screen, how fast you can fund, whether sports markets are available where you live, and how much the app charges on each side of the trade.
Most of these apps are also front-ends to a small number of exchanges. Plus500 and Robinhood route to Kalshi, FanDuel routes to CME Group contracts, DraftKings is building on Railbird. In practice, the contract you buy can be identical across two apps while the price you pay for it is not.
How to choose a prediction market app
The right app depends on what you already have on your phone and what you want to trade. Here are the factors that matter most:
- Regulation and safety: all the apps in our ranking are either Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)-regulated or provide access to CFTC-regulated contracts through partnerships. The nature of that regulation varies: Kalshi and PredictIt hold their own designated contract market licenses, while Plus500 and Robinhood operate as brokers accessing Kalshi’s exchange. Polymarket’s US arm was recently approved and is still rolling out.
- State availability: general economic and political contracts are available nationwide, but sports contracts are not. Check your state before you download, especially if sports markets are the reason you are signing up.
- Fees: Polymarket charges zero fees on most markets, Plus500 charges a flat $0.01 per contract, Kalshi uses a variable model based on contract price, and PredictIt takes 10% of profits plus 5% of withdrawals. For frequent trading, these differences compound quickly.
- Funding and withdrawals: this is where the app experience is decided. Bank and debit funding gets you trading in minutes on Plus500, Kalshi and Robinhood, while Polymarket requires USDC and a wallet. Watch for deposit fees, such as Kalshi’s 2% on debit cards.
- Sign-up offers: a welcome bonus is a reason to compare, not a reason to choose. Read the conditions first: most require a first deposit and a minimum traded amount, and they expire.
- Interface and tools: if you already use a brokerage app, Plus500US or Robinhood will feel most natural. If you want order book control, Kalshi. If you are crypto-native, Polymarket. If you come from sports, FanDuel Predicts or DraftKings.
- Liquidity: thin markets mean wider spreads and difficulty exiting a position, which hurts most on mobile where you tend to trade quickly. Polymarket leads globally, Kalshi leads among US-regulated venues, and FanDuel and DraftKings are still building depth.
For a wider view of the exchanges behind these apps, see our ranking of the best prediction markets platforms for US investors.
Video summary
In this video we walk through the platforms behind these apps, how event contracts are priced and what to check before your first trade:
How to start trading on a prediction market app
- Download the app and register. You will need to complete identity verification, as with any regulated broker. If there is a promo code involved, enter it during registration rather than after.
- Fund the account. Link a bank account or debit card (or transfer USDC on Polymarket). Minimums range from $0 to $10.
- Pick a market you actually understand. Economic releases and rate decisions are a better starting point than niche markets with thin order books.
- Check the price and the fee before you tap buy. A contract at $0.62 implies a 62% probability. Ask yourself whether you think the real odds are higher than that, because that is the only reason to buy.
- Size the position as if it could go to zero, because it can.
The US regulatory landscape for prediction markets
The regulatory environment has evolved rapidly. The CFTC oversees prediction markets as designated contract markets (DCMs), giving platforms like Kalshi legal standing as financial exchanges rather than gambling operations. This federal classification generally preempts state gaming laws, which is why these apps can operate in states where sports betting is illegal.
However, state-level challenges continue. Nevada issued a temporary restraining order against Polymarket in early 2026, and New York’s attorney general has warned that platforms promoting unlicensed sports contracts may face legal consequences. Several other states are reviewing sports prediction markets under their own gaming regulations.
There are also emerging concerns about insider trading. Legislation has been introduced (the Public Integrity in Financial Prediction Markets Act of 2026) to prohibit federal officials from trading on prediction markets using non-public information. Google began allowing US advertisements for federally regulated prediction markets in January 2026, further mainstreaming the industry.
From a tax perspective, a provision in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act caps gambling loss deductions at 90%, effective January 1, 2026. Whether prediction market trades fall under this cap or are treated as financial instruments with full loss deductions is still unclear, as the IRS has not yet issued specific guidance.
Bottom line
To sum up, here are our key findings for investors looking for the best prediction market app:
Plus500US
Best app for traders who want futures and event contracts in one placeKalshi
Best app overall, with the widest market selection and direct exchange accessRobinhood
Best app if you already hold stocks and crypto in the same accountPolymarket
Best app for liquidity and crypto-native traders (USDC only)FanDuel Predicts
Best app for sports markets in non-betting statesDraftKings Predictions
Best app for fantasy sports playersPredictIt
Best for political markets, though it has no app and runs through the mobile site
We hope you found this article enlightening and wish you the best of luck in your trading journey!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Prediction markets involve risk, including the potential loss of your entire investment. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Always do your own research before trading and consult with a qualified financial advisor if needed.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Are prediction market apps legal in the US?
Yes, when the app offers CFTC-regulated event contracts. Kalshi, Polymarket US and PredictIt all hold CFTC designations, while apps like Plus500, Robinhood and FanDuel access regulated contracts through partnerships. State-level rules still vary, particularly for sports contracts.
Which prediction market app has the lowest fees?
Polymarket charges zero fees on the majority of its markets, making it the cheapest option for active traders, though it requires USDC. Among apps you can fund from a bank account, Plus500US offers a competitive $0.01 per contract commission. Kalshi uses a variable fee structure that can be higher, especially for contracts priced around 50 cents.
Which prediction market apps offer a sign-up bonus?
Plus500US is currently running a promo code offer for first-time depositors who trade at least $10 in Prediction Market contracts, with the conditions explained in our Plus500 promo code guide. Other apps run their own promotions from time to time, and they change frequently, so always read the terms inside the app before depositing.
Can I trade prediction markets in all 50 states?
General economic and political event contracts are available in all 50 states on most apps. Sports contracts are subject to restrictions in certain states: Robinhood restricts them in Maryland, New Jersey and Nevada, and FanDuel Predicts offers sports contracts in only 18 states. Always check availability in your state inside the app.
Do all prediction markets have a mobile app?
No. Kalshi, Polymarket, FanDuel Predicts and DraftKings Predictions all have apps on iOS and Android, Plus500 puts event contracts inside its futures app, and Robinhood keeps them as a tab in the main app. PredictIt is the exception: it has no official app and runs through the mobile site. Note that FanDuel Predicts and DraftKings Predictions are separate downloads from the Sportsbook and main DraftKings apps.
Are prediction markets the same as gambling?
No. Prediction markets are classified as financial derivatives under CFTC regulation, not as gambling. The behavioral risks are similar though: you can lose your entire position, and app notifications and live markets can trigger the same patterns as betting. Trade responsibly and never risk more than you can afford to lose.
How are prediction market profits taxed?
Profits may be subject to US tax reporting. The treatment is currently uncertain: the IRS has not issued specific guidance on whether event contracts are treated like gambling wagers (subject to the 90% loss deduction cap under the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act) or like financial derivatives (where 100% of losses offset gains). Consult a qualified tax advisor for your situation.
What is the difference between the Kalshi app and the Plus500US app?
Kalshi is the underlying exchange where event contracts are listed and settled. Plus500US is a broker whose app gives you access to Kalshi’s contracts through its own interface, alongside futures. Kalshi gives you direct exchange access and more order book control, while Plus500 charges a flat $0.01 per contract against Kalshi’s variable fee model.
