DraftKings enters prediction markets with CFTC-approved app for real-world events
Analysis
Price Impact
MedDraftkings' entry with a cftc-approved app significantly increases competition for existing crypto-native prediction markets like polymarket. while this could divert some user volume, it also provides substantial mainstream legitimacy and regulatory clarity to the entire prediction market sector, which may attract new capital and users over time, potentially benefiting the broader defi ecosystem's innovation in this area.
Trustworthiness
HighThe news comes from a reputable source (coindesk) reporting on an official announcement by draftkings regarding a cftc-registered product, confirming a factual market development.
Price Direction
NeutralThe immediate competitive pressure from a major traditional player could be seen as bearish for crypto-native prediction markets. however, the regulatory validation and increased public awareness brought by draftkings entering the space could ultimately expand the total addressable market, creating long-term bullish sentiment for the prediction market sector as a whole, including its defi components. these opposing forces lead to a neutral short-to-medium term outlook for general defi.
Time Effect
LongThe long-term effect is primarily driven by the legitimization and expansion of the prediction market sector through mainstream adoption and regulatory approval. while short-term competition is present, the validation of the market as a whole tends to be a more significant long-term driver.
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Markets Share Share this article Copy link X icon X (Twitter) LinkedIn Facebook Email DraftKings enters prediction markets with CFTC-approved app for real-world events The sports-betting giant enters the growing world of event contracts with CFTC-registered DraftKings Predictions in 38 states. By Helene Braun , AI Boost | Edited by Jamie Crawley Dec 19, 2025, 2:55 p.m. DraftKings (Cheng Xin/Getty Images, modified by CoinDesk) What to know : DraftKings has unveiled a CFTC-regulated app letting users trade on real-world outcomes like sports and finance in 38 U.S. states. The move puts it in direct competition with crypto-native prediction markets like Polymarket or other competitors like Kalshi and Robinhood. Prediction markets have emerged as one of the biggest financial trends of the year, fueled by regulatory clarity and rising demand for real-time speculation. DraftKings has unveiled a new standalone app for real-money prediction markets, becoming the latest major player to enter a field that includes crypto-native platforms like Polymarket and Robinhood’s event contracts . The product, called DraftKings Predictions, lets users trade on the outcomes of real-world events, starting with sports and finance, the company announced on Friday . STORY CONTINUES BELOW Don't miss another story. Subscribe to the Crypto Daybook Americas Newsletter today . See all newsletters Sign me up By signing up, you will receive emails about CoinDesk products and you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . It is registered with the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the National Futures Association and will be available in 38 states to buy and sell event contracts. To deepen its market offerings, DraftKings will connect to exchanges like CME Group and plans to incorporate Railbird Technologies, which it recently acquired. That integration is expected to broaden the types of available markets and improve economics over time, it said. This move puts DraftKings in direct competition with Polymarket, a popular crypto-based prediction market platform, and Robinhood (HOOD), which earlier this year launched event contracts for sports outcomes. Unlike Polymarket, which relies on blockchain-based infrastructure and stablecoins, DraftKings operates entirely within the existing financial system and app ecosystem. Aside from the AI boom, prediction markets have quietly become one of the biggest financial stories of the year. Once a niche corner of crypto, markets for betting on real-world outcomes — from elections to sports to economic data — have surged into the mainstream. Platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi have seen record-breaking volumes, drawing in retail traders and hedge funds alike, and become double-digit billion dollar companies. What’s driving the shift is a mix of regulatory clarity and cultural momentum. The CFTC’s greenlighting of certain event contracts has opened the door for more structured, compliant products, while the public appetite for real-time, high-stakes speculation has never been stronger. Prediction Markets Sports Sports Betting AI Disclaimer: Parts of this article were generated with the assistance from AI tools and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and adherence to our standards . For more information, see CoinDesk's full AI Policy . More For You Protocol Research: GoPlus Security By CoinDesk Research Nov 14, 2025 Commissioned by GoPlus What to know : As of October 2025, GoPlus has generated $4.7M in total revenue across its product lines. The GoPlus App is the primary revenue driver, contributing $2.5M (approx. 53%), followed by the SafeToken Protocol at $1.7M. 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