On Friday, Draftkings debuted a standalone predictions app governed under federal commodities law, formally entering the expanding U.S. prediction markets sector and moving beyond traditional sports betting into event-based contract trading it was announced.
DraftKings Launches Predictions Platform Offering Event Contracts to U.S. Users
Draftkings disclosed the unveiling of Draftkings Predictions on Dec. 19, presenting a mobile and web-based platform that permits eligible U.S. users to trade contracts related to real-world outcomes, spanning sports and financial events. The Boston-based company expressed that additional categories, such as entertainment and cultural events, are anticipated to follow as the predictions marketplace product expands it was detailed.
The new app functions distinctly from Draftkings’ sportsbook and casino provisions and the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) supervises it. Draftkings Predictions maintains registration as an introducing broker and is constituted as a member of the National Futures Association, thereby situating it under federal commodities regulation rather than state-level gambling frameworks it is clarified.
Prediction markets enable participants to buy and sell event contracts that deliver payment based on whether a specific outcome transpires, such as the result of a sports matchup or the publication of economic data. Prices shift as traders assess probabilities, effectively converting collective expectations into real-time market signals rather than fixed odds it is asserted.
At launch, Draftkings Predictions links with CME Group to grant admission to a range of event contracts, comprising global benchmarks, economic indicators, and sports-related markets. Draftkings revealed that it intends to connect to multiple exchanges over time to augment market depth and liquidity for eligible customers it was confirmed.
The deployment succeeds Draftkings’ October takeover of Railbird Technologies, whose exchange infrastructure is anticipated to broaden the platform’s available markets and support future product development. Railbird’s technology is also poised to enhance economics and customization as Draftkings expands its event contract selections it was observed.
“Draftkings Predictions is a significant milestone and reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering products that tap into the passion of our customers,”
Corey Gottlieb, Draftkings’ chief product officer, said in a statement.
“We believe we are uniquely positioned to lead this space over the long term.”
The Draftkings exec added:
Predictions Market Competition Expected to Heat Up in 2026
Draftkings joins a sector already occupied by established and emerging rivals. Kalshi runs a CFTC-regulated U.S. exchange providing contracts on economics, weather, politics, and sports, while Polymarket and Myriad administer crypto-based prediction platforms that permit global users to trade on similar outcomes utilizing digital assets. Polymarket has additionally entered the U.S. market following the CFTC’s approval it is detailed.
Both Polymarket and Kalshi have tallied billions of dollars in cumulative trading volume and have broadened into sports and IPO-related markets, while Polymarket achieved considerable fame for its 2024 election forecasting accuracy and high-volume political contracts. Myriad, established in 2025, has swiftly grown within decentralized finance (DeFi) infrastructure by concentrating on automated markets and onchain settlement it was reported.
Competition is also projected to accelerate as firms such as Robinhood, Crypto.com, and Coinbase commence or persist in amplifying prediction market access through regulated subsidiaries and crypto-integrated platforms. These entrants seek to merge retail trading, derivatives infrastructure, and event-based contracts into completely integrated financial products it is foreseen.
Draftkings affirmed the predictions app will initially surface in 38 states, covering jurisdictions where sports betting is not legal but federally regulated event contracts are sanctioned. The company highlighted it also broadened its responsible engagement framework to the product via a Responsible Trading program that features deposit limits, self-exclusion tools, and educational materials it was revealed.
As prediction markets persist in garnering attention from financial firms, legacy crypto platforms, and everyday consumer trading apps, Draftkings’ entry places the company at the intersection of regulated derivatives trading and mass-market digital entertainment, indicating a broader shift in how event-based outcomes are exploited for profit in the U.S. it is evident.
