Platform Comparison (2026)
Platform
Bonus
Regulation
Rating
Action
Top Prediction Market Platforms
Kalshi
Legal & regulated US markets
★★★★★
$10
Sign-up bonus
- FDIC insured funds
- No crypto wallet required
- Bank transfers (ACH/Debit)
- 350,000+ active markets
- Available in 42+ US states
Polymarket
Global prediction platform
★★★★
$20
Welcome bonus
- Massive global liquidity
- Near-zero trading fees
- Instant USDC payouts
- 3,000+ global markets
- US beta access (waitlist)
Current Sign-Up Bonuses — May 2026
✓ Verified Offer
Kalshi — $10 Sign-Up Bonus
✓ Bonus applied automatically via referral link — no code needed
Sign up through our link and the bonus is credited to your account after your first qualifying deposit.
✓ Verified May 2026
New users only. Qualifying deposit required. See Kalshi for current terms.
Claim Kalshi Bonus →
🔥 Hot Offer
Polymarket — $20 Welcome Bonus
✓ Bonus applied automatically via referral link — no code needed
Sign up through our link. Minimum $20 USDC deposit required to activate the welcome bonus.
✓ Verified May 2026
New US users only. USDC deposit required. Beta access via waitlist.
Claim Polymarket Bonus →
Frequently Asked Questions
Are prediction markets legal in the US?
Yes. Kalshi and Polymarket are both regulated by the CFTC under the Commodity Exchange Act. They classify their products as event contracts — financial derivatives — not traditional gambling. Both platforms are legal in 42+ US states, though sports markets face ongoing state-level challenges in a handful of states.
Does Kalshi offer a sign-up bonus?
Yes. Kalshi offers a sign-up bonus for new users who register via a referral link and make a qualifying first deposit. The bonus is applied automatically — no promo code required. Click our referral link to ensure the bonus is tracked to your account.
Is Kalshi safe and regulated?
Yes. Kalshi holds a CFTC Designated Contract Market (DCM) license since 2020 — the same type of federal license held by the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and other major US futures exchanges. User funds are held separately from company operational funds.
Kalshi vs Polymarket — which is better for US traders?
For US residents: Kalshi is the better choice right now. It requires no crypto wallet, accepts bank transfers and debit cards, and is fully operational in 42+ states with no waitlist. Polymarket wins on fees (near-zero) and global market variety, but requires USDC and is still in US beta.
What is the minimum deposit on Kalshi?
Kalshi has a $1 minimum deposit. To qualify for the sign-up bonus, a higher qualifying deposit is typically required. Check Kalshi's current bonus terms when signing up via our referral link.
Is Polymarket available in the US?
Yes, but in limited beta. Polymarket launched its US app in December 2025 following CFTC approval. Access is currently via waitlist. Signing up through a referral link may improve your waitlist position. Note that Polymarket US requires USDC for deposits.
How do prediction markets work?
Prediction markets let you buy Yes or No contracts on real-world events. Each contract pays $1 if the outcome occurs, $0 if it doesn't. The price of a contract reflects the market's implied probability — a contract at $0.65 means the market gives a 65% chance of that outcome.
Are winnings from prediction markets taxable in the US?
Yes. Profits from prediction market trading are generally treated as capital gains in the US. Kalshi issues 1099 forms for eligible users. We recommend consulting a tax professional as the regulatory treatment of event contracts continues to evolve.