Coinbase's expansion into prediction markets, particularly by integrating usdc for funding, increases the utility and adoption of stablecoins and broadens the appeal of crypto-related services to a mainstream audience across all 50 us states. this is a positive development for the underlying infrastructure and general market sentiment, despite immediate coin stock dip.
The information is sourced from a reputable crypto news outlet (decrypt), directly references coinbase's official announcements, ceo statements, and provides relevant market context.
While not directly impacting volatile crypto prices instantly, the launch represents a significant diversification and expansion of a major crypto exchange's offerings. increased utility for usdc and broader engagement with crypto-adjacent services through coinbase can contribute positively to overall market sentiment and adoption in the long term.
The full impact of coinbase's strategic move into prediction markets, including navigating regulatory scrutiny and achieving widespread adoption, will unfold over an extended period. it's a foundational step for future growth rather than an immediate catalyst for price surges.
In brief Coinbase launched its own prediction market for users in all 50 American states. Users can make trades using U.S. dollars or USDC from their Coinbase accounts. The markets are powered by Kalshi and will be available nearly 24/7. Publicly traded American crypto exchange Coinbase continued its expansion beyond crypto trading on Wednesday, officially rolling out its prediction market product to American users in all 50 states. The markets allow individuals to test their knowledge across sports, culture, politics, and crypto, making use of the already established market presence and contracts offered by leading prediction market platform, Kalshi. “Prediction markets are the ultimate form of truth-seeking,” Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong posted on X . “When there’s skin in the game, the output is far more reliable. Everything else is biased by someone's agenda. I think we’ll look back at prediction markets as a breakthrough in how we discover truth in the world.” Out: Odds set by the house. In: Price set by the crowd. Now there's a new way to trade your takes. Prediction markets are live in all 50 states on Coinbase. Trade any real-world outcomes across sports, politics, culture and more. pic.twitter.com/CIjz9T9pjX — Coinbase 🛡️ (@coinbase) January 28, 2026 Coinbase users can fund predictions using cash or Circle’s dollar-backed stablecoin, USDC , that is held in their existing exchange accounts. The firm first announced its intentions to join the growing sector of prediction markets in December, after volumes exploded among Kalshi and Polymarket throughout the fall, ultimately eclipsing billions of dollars in weekly trades . Kalshi and Polymarket collectively raised more than $2.3 billion in the final months of 2025, rapidly adding to their valuations, which eclipsed $11 billion and $9 billion , respectively. Coinbase’s adoption of the product makes it one of the biggest firms to feature a prediction market, joining publicly traded brokerage and trade-everything firm, Robinhood, which also makes use of Kalshi’s prediction market contracts . While their popularity has exploded, scrutiny surrounding prediction markets has also increased of late—particularly as it relates to sports contracts, which are likened to sports gambling. Earlier this month, prediction market platforms in the state of Tennessee were ordered to remove sports related contracts. Kalshi then sued the state’s attorney general and its sports betting regulator in federal court, arguing the state had no grounds to regulate its offerings. Prior to its Wednesday launch, Coinbase has already had a brush with controversy related to prediction markets. In October, Armstrong purposefully ran through a list of words that predictors had bet he would say during an earnings call, leading to criticism about “market manipulation.” At the time, Armstrong called it a “fun” moment of spontaneity , and a representative for the firm told Decrypt that his "closing remarks were made in a lighthearted, offhand way, referencing online discussion around the earnings call." Coinbase’s prediction markets platform allows traders to make bets on what the firm will say during its next earnings call , though it has only generated around $13,000 in total volume. Traders will be able to make predictions on Coinbase at nearly all times, except for a two-hour maintenance period early on Thursday mornings, according to the site’s FAQ . Shares of COIN are down around 0.32% amid the news, and have fallen nearly 45% in the last six months to change hands at $210.26. A representative for the firm did not immediately respond to Decrypt’s request for comment. Daily Debrief Newsletter Start every day with the top news stories right now, plus original features, a podcast, videos and more. Your Email Get it! Get it!