Prediction markets have gone mainstream. What started as a niche corner of crypto trading now includes household names like DraftKings, FanDuel, Robinhood, and Coinbase. And with major sporting events on the horizon, platforms are competing hard for new accounts.
That competition is good news for you. If you’ve been curious about trying prediction markets, there’s real money on the table right now in the form of sign-up offers, matched deposits, and trade bonuses. This guide breaks down what’s available, how each type works, and what to check before you claim.
What Are Prediction Markets?
Unlike traditional sportsbooks, prediction markets let you trade on the probability of events happening. You’re buying and selling contracts, not placing fixed-odds bets. If you think an event will happen, you buy “yes.” If you think it won’t, you buy “no.”
Prices shift in real time based on what other traders believe, which means you can close positions early or lock in profits without waiting for an outcome. For a deeper look at how they compare to standard betting, this breakdown covers the key differences.
The space is now regulated by the CFTC (Commodity Futures Trading Commission), which means platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket operate under federal oversight – a significant shift from just a few years ago.
How Sign-Up Bonuses Work
Most prediction market platforms use sign-up bonuses to attract new traders. The mechanics differ from sportsbook welcome offers, so it’s worth knowing how each type works before you create an account.
Trade bonuses are the most common. You receive bonus funds after hitting a trading volume threshold. Kalshi is a good example: sign up with a promo code, place $10 in trades, and $10 in bonus funds hits your account automatically. The trades don’t need to win.
Deposit matches work differently. Platforms like DraftKings Predictions match your first trade dollar-for-dollar up to a set amount. The matched funds typically come as platform credits rather than withdrawable cash. You keep any profits made using those credits, but the credits themselves stay on the platform.
Referral bonuses let you earn by bringing in friends. Most platforms pay both you and the new user once they hit a trading threshold. Kalshi, for instance, pays $10 to both parties after the referred user completes $100 in trades.
Liquidity and volume rewards are ongoing incentives for active traders. These aren’t tied to sign-up, but they stack with welcome bonuses over time and can add up for anyone trading at regular volume.
What’s Currently on Offer
Sign-up bonuses vary significantly by platform. Here’s a quick look at what’s available heading into 2026:
- Kalshi – $10 free with promo code DEFI after completing $10 in trades. The lowest barrier to entry of any platform. Minimum deposit is $1, and Kalshi pays around 4% APY on cash left uninvested.
- OG Predictions – Up to $500 in bonuses based on volume milestones. Higher upside but requires more trading activity to unlock the full amount.
- Polymarket – $10 with invite code TWITTER at sign-up. You’ll need to register with a phone number to qualify.
- DraftKings Predictions – Up to $75 in Prediction Dollars matched on your first trade. Credits aren’t directly withdrawable, but profits from trades using them are.
- Fanatics Markets – Up to $75 in matched credit. One of the newest CFTC-regulated platforms, having launched in late 2025.
DeFi Rate’s bonus roundup tracks all of the current prediction market bonuses in one place, including step-by-step claim instructions and the full terms for each platform.
Can You Claim More Than One Bonus?
Yes. Each platform operates independently, so there’s nothing stopping you from signing up with Kalshi, Polymarket, and DraftKings in the same week and claiming each offer separately.
Different platforms list the same events at different odds. Having accounts at multiple exchanges lets you shop for better contracts on the same outcome – the same way a sports bettor line-shops across sportsbooks. Kalshi’s $10, Polymarket’s $10, and DraftKings’ $75 are all available simultaneously with no conflict between them.
Things to Check Before You Claim
Bonus terms vary more than the headline numbers suggest. A few things worth checking:
Trading requirements. Most bonuses require you to hit a volume threshold before funds are released. Kalshi asks for $10 in trades within 90 days. DraftKings matches on your first trade with no additional requirements.
Withdrawal restrictions. Bonus funds are usually locked until you’ve traded with them at least once. Any cash profits are yours to withdraw, but the bonus credit often stays on the platform until that rollover is complete.
Promo code timing. Enter codes during registration when possible. Most platforms won’t apply them after the fact. DraftKings requires you to opt into the promo through the app before your first trade – miss that step and you lose the match.
State availability. Some platforms are restricted in certain states. Kalshi’s promo isn’t available in AZ, IL, MA, MD, MI, MT, NJ, NV, and OH. Always check eligibility before depositing.
Tax reporting. Prediction market winnings count as taxable income whether you withdraw them or not. The platforms that require a Social Security Number at sign-up do so for this reason. Investopedia’s overview of event contracts covers the tax and regulatory basics in plain terms if you want to go deeper before getting started.
Which Platform Should You Start With?
If you’re new to prediction markets, Kalshi is the most straightforward entry point. The app works like a stock trading platform, you can fund it with a debit card or bank transfer, and the $10 promo has a low bar to clear.
If you already hold crypto, Polymarket is worth a look. You can deposit USDC directly, which cuts out the fiat on-ramp, and the platform lists markets – including mention markets and long-duration political contracts – that aren’t available elsewhere.
For DraftKings users who prefer familiar territory, the Predictions product integrates into the existing app. The $75 match is the largest raw bonus value on the table right now, though market selection is narrower than on the dedicated prediction market platforms.
The prediction market space is still growing, which means platforms are offering generous bonuses to pull in new accounts. Whether you’re a casual sports bettor or an active trader, that window is worth taking advantage of.
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