Polymarket
Polymarket US is the CFTC-regulated U.S. exchange of Polymarket, one of the world's largest prediction markets. Americans trade contracts on politics, including the 2026 midterms, plus sports, economics and culture. The international polymarket.com site blocks U.S. users.
Polymarket is a prediction-market platform where you buy and sell shares in the outcome of future events. Prices move with demand and settle based on what actually happens, so a share's price reflects the market's estimate of how likely an outcome is. It covers a wide range of markets beyond sports, including elections, economics, and current events.
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How Polymarket works
Each market asks a yes/no question about a future event, such as which team wins a championship. You buy contracts in the outcome you expect, priced from 1 to 99 cents. If your outcome happens, each contract settles at $1; if it does not, it settles at $0. You can sell before the event resolves, locking in a gain or loss as prices move. Polymarket US charges a taker fee on trades, published in its fee schedule, and requires identity verification and users 18 or older who have reached the age of majority in their state.
How it differs from a sportsbook
A traditional sportsbook sets odds and takes the other side of your bet. On a prediction market like Polymarket, you trade with other participants, and the price is set by supply and demand rather than by a bookmaker. Because the model is different, prediction markets are regulated differently and may be available in places where traditional online sportsbooks are not, though availability and rules vary, so always confirm access where you live.
Sports on Polymarket
Alongside politics and current events, Polymarket lists markets on major sports outcomes, including championship winners, season-long results, and individual game questions. If you're comparing it to other exchanges, see our prediction markets overview for how Kalshi, Novig, and ProphetX stack up.
Polymarket FAQ
Is Polymarket a sportsbook?
No. Polymarket is a prediction market where you trade shares in event outcomes with other users, rather than placing bets against a bookmaker.
What can you trade on Polymarket?
Polymarket covers a broad range of markets, including sports outcomes, elections and politics, economic indicators, and pop-culture events.
How does Polymarket make prices?
Prices are set by supply and demand as users buy and sell shares. A share's price reflects the market's collective estimate of how likely that outcome is.