Apps like Kalshi let U.S. traders buy and sell yes/no contracts on real-world events — from NFL games to economic releases — on federally regulated platforms. In 2026 Kalshi and Polymarket remain the two biggest names, but a wave of newer CFTC‑regulated exchanges and brokers has given traders more choice.
Top Kalshi alternatives and what they offer
Polymarket — Deposit $10, Get $25 (promo code: FOX). A CFTC‑regulated exchange (Polymarket US) and the closest overall alternative to Kalshi, Polymarket returned to the U.S. with a regulated exchange that launched in December 2025 and removed its invite‑only waitlist in May 2026. It uses binary contracts priced between 1 and 99 cents, an order book, and real‑time in‑game markets. Availability varies by state; confirm eligibility at signup.
OG Predictive — Trade and Settle $10, Get $10. Built by Crypto.com in 2026 and offered by Crypto.com Derivatives North America, a CFTC‑regulated exchange and clearinghouse. Accounts fund in U.S. dollars, not crypto wallets. OG Predictive focuses on sports depth with parlays and player props. Traders must be 18 or older. The app is available in all states except New York and Arizona, but sports contracts are restricted in Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, Nevada, and Ohio.
DraftKings Predictions — Spend $5, Get $150 Predictions Dollars. A standalone app under CFTC oversight that launched in December 2025 and is best for existing DraftKings users. It offers sports contracts in states where DraftKings Sportsbook is not legal, while in some states DraftKings withholds sports contracts and offers financial markets only. Availability covers most U.S. states; check terms for state differences.
Novig — Deposit $10, Get $25 in Trade Credits (promo code: FOXSPORTS). A sports‑only prediction market running on Ludlow Exchange, which received CFTC approval as a designated contract market in June 2026. Novig limits its catalog to major sports, game outcomes, player props, and live markets. Traders must be 21 or older. The $25 bonus is issued as five $5 trade credits that expire 30 days after issuance.
ProphetX — Trade $50, Get $75 in Incentive Funds (promo code: FOXSPORTS). Approved by the CFTC in June 2026 as both a designated contract market and a derivatives clearing organization, ProphetX operates a peer‑to‑peer sports exchange where traders can post their own prices. State availability varies; the $75 incentive is paid in three $25 installments on days 1, 7, and 14, each expiring 45 days after issuance.
Plus500 — Trade Prediction Markets. Plus500 is a CFTC‑registered broker that offers Kalshi contracts through Plus500 Futures. Its prices and liquidity come from Kalshi’s order book, but the wrapper is a brokerage‑style interface. It began with economic and financial contracts and later added sports. This option is for traders who prefer a brokerage app rather than a different set of contracts.
Which Kalshi alternative fits your needs
If you want the closest experience to Kalshi, consider Polymarket. For parlays and player props, OG Predictive is the most sportsbook‑like alternative. DraftKings Predictions suits users who already have DraftKings accounts. Novig is best if you want sports only with no politics or pop culture markets. ProphetX is aimed at active sports traders who prefer peer‑to‑peer order posting. If you want Kalshi markets inside a brokerage app, Plus500 provides that wrapper.
State availability and Kalshi restrictions
Kalshi is restricted in Arizona, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, New Jersey, and Ohio. Availability for alternatives varies: OG Predictive does not accept Arizona and restricts sports in several of the Kalshi‑restricted states; DraftKings Predictions limits some states to financial markets; plus other platforms accept traders in some Kalshi‑restricted states. Always confirm eligibility in the app before depositing.
How these platforms are built
All platforms listed operate under CFTC oversight, but their structures differ: designated contract markets (DCMs) list and run their own contracts — Kalshi, Polymarket US, Novig, and ProphetX hold DCM status. ProphetX also holds derivatives clearing organization (DCO) approval. OG Predictive lists contracts via Crypto.com Derivatives North America. Plus500 acts as a broker routing trades to Kalshi’s exchange. The architecture affects who sets the market menu and where liquidity comes from.
Practical considerations when choosing
Check state eligibility and whether sports contracts are allowed. Decide if you want sports‑only or a broad menu including politics and economics. Note age requirements (most platforms 18+, Novig 21+). Larger platforms generally offer better liquidity. Compare trading and deposit/withdrawal fees and supported funding methods (bank transfer or debit card versus crypto). Read welcome offer terms closely, including how bonuses are paid and expiration rules.
How to sign up
Create an account with name, email, and date of birth. Verify identity with the last four digits of your Social Security number or a photo ID; regulated platforms require verification. Enter any promo code at signup, fund the account by bank transfer or debit card if supported, then choose a yes/no market and set a price or buy at the market price.
Red flags and tax notes
Avoid platforms that cannot point to CFTC registration, offshore sites accepting U.S. traders, services that skip identity verification, crypto‑only funding with no U.S. dollar option, or any site promising guaranteed profits. Profits from prediction market trading are generally taxable in the U.S.; regulated platforms may issue tax forms. Keep trade records and consult a tax professional.
Responsible trading
Prediction market trading carries real financial risk and you can lose your full stake. Set deposit limits, trade only what you can afford to lose, and use free resources if trading stops being enjoyable.
