Comparisons

Compare Prediction Market Platforms

Every major head-to-head in one place — platforms, fee structures, regulatory models, and concepts.

Choosing the right prediction market platform — or understanding how prediction markets differ from other financial or wagering products — requires more than a bullet-point list. These pages each go deep: verified fee math, regulatory citations, and structured trade-off analysis. Pick the comparison you need below.

Platform vs. Platform

Kalshi vs. Polymarket

CFTC-regulated DCM vs. decentralized crypto exchange. Regulation, fees, market depth, and which fits your trading style.

Kalshi vs. Polymarket — Vig & Fees

Side-by-side fee math: Kalshi's formula-based cap vs. Polymarket's spread. Who costs less at each probability level?

Kalshi vs. PredictIt

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The CFTC DCM vs. the original no-action-letter platform. Fees, position caps, market scope, and regulatory standing compared.

FanDuel vs. DraftKings Predictions

Both sportsbook giants have launched prediction-market products. Here's how they stack up on contract selection, fees, and state access.

Prediction Markets vs. Other Products

Prediction Markets vs. Sports Betting

Exchange vs. bookmaker. CFTC vs. state gaming. Tax treatment, age requirements, and who you're actually betting against.

Prediction Markets vs. Polls

Why crowd odds and survey data diverge. Incentive structures, accuracy track records, and how journalists should use each.

Statistical Models vs. Market Odds

When quant forecasts diverge from market prices — and which signal to trust for which decision.

Prediction Markets vs. Gambling

The legal distinction (CFTC vs. gaming statutes), the economic difference, and how courts have ruled.

Contract & Settlement Structure

Kalshi Combos vs. Sportsbook Parlays

Multi-leg prediction contracts vs. traditional parlays. Pricing, exit flexibility, and tax treatment differ significantly.

Same Event, Different Platforms

Live side-by-side contract prices for the same event across Kalshi, Polymarket, and PredictIt. Find the best price.

Settlement Rules Compared

How Kalshi, Polymarket, and PredictIt resolve disputes, handle ambiguous outcomes, and manage edge cases.

All-Platform Fee Comparison

Kalshi, Polymarket, PredictIt, FanDuel Predictions, DraftKings Picks — fee structures compared at a glance.

Common Comparison Questions

Which prediction market platform has the lowest fees?

Kalshi uses a formula-based taker fee capped at 1.75¢ per contract, with zero fees on politics and policy markets. PredictIt charges 10% on profits plus 5% on withdrawals. Polymarket has no platform fee on its crypto-based markets, though USDC gas costs apply. For a full breakdown, see our fee comparison page.

What is the difference between Kalshi and Polymarket?

Kalshi is a CFTC-regulated Designated Contract Market (DCM) based in the U.S., operating under full federal oversight. Polymarket is a decentralized prediction market that uses USDC on Polygon and is accessible worldwide but has restricted U.S. access. Our dedicated Kalshi vs Polymarket page covers the full head-to-head.

Can I use prediction markets in all U.S. states?

No. Several states have challenged or restricted prediction markets through litigation, cease-and-desist orders, or legislation. The landscape is evolving rapidly. Check our state-by-state regulatory guides for current access status by state.

What is the difference between prediction markets and sports betting?

Prediction markets are exchange-traded contracts regulated at the federal level by the CFTC. Sports betting is regulated state by state by gaming commissions. You trade against other participants in a prediction market; in sports betting you bet against the house. Our comparison page covers the full structural differences.

How does Kalshi compare to traditional sportsbook parlays?

Kalshi combo contracts let you combine multiple yes/no outcomes across different categories in a single contract — similar to parlays. The key differences are CFTC regulation, order-book pricing (vs house-set odds), and the ability to exit before resolution. See our Kalshi Combos vs Sportsbook Parlays page for a full breakdown.

Are prediction markets the same as gambling?

Legally, no. CFTC-regulated prediction markets (Kalshi) operate under federal commodity law — not state gambling statutes. Courts have upheld CFTC preemption in multiple circuits. Whether the economic experience feels similar depends on the market type and trading style. Our dedicated page covers the full legal and conceptual distinction.

Which Platform Should I Use?

Not sure which comparison applies to you? The platform selector walks you through a quick decision tree based on your location, trading goals, and deposit preferences.

Platform Selector How Prediction Markets Work