Polymarket

Bonus: Deposit $10, get a $25 trading bonus with code WCPREDICTS

4.7

Founded 2020 · federally-regulated

Sign up at Polymarket US

TL;DR:

Polymarket is a federally-regulated platform that lets US traders trade event contracts on world cup, sports, politics. Best overall for World Cup futures and per-match contracts. It earns 4.7 out of 5 in our rankings.

What is Polymarket?

Polymarket is a federally-regulated platform that lets users take positions on the outcomes of real-world events — sports, politics, economics, and culture. Founded in 2020, it operates under U.S. federal commodities law and is available in most US states; availability depends on your state.

What sets Polymarket apart is its range: sports, politics and culture markets in US dollars.

Is Polymarket legal in the US?

Polymarket operates as a federally regulated venue under U.S. commodities law rather than as a state-licensed sportsbook. Whether states can regulate sports event contracts is contested: at the preliminary-injunction stage the Third Circuit sided with Kalshi (April 6, 2026), while the Ninth (August 28, 2026) and Sixth (September 25, 2026) Circuits ruled Kalshi is unlikely to show federal law blocks state gambling laws. Three Supreme Court petitions are filed; none granted yet. What you can trade can change by state.

That said, the legal picture is still being contested. Some state attorneys general have challenged certain platforms; the CFTC has consistently defended its jurisdiction. For the full backdrop, see our US legality guide.

What can you trade on Polymarket?

Polymarket covers World Cup, Sports, Politics, Culture. New markets are added weekly.

Practically, that means contracts on game outcomes, championship futures, player and team milestones, election results, Fed decisions, inflation prints, award shows, and cultural events.

How does Polymarket work?

Every contract on Polymarket resolves to either $1 (yes) or $0 (no). The price you pay reflects the market's implied probability — a contract at 62¢ means a 62% chance.

You don't have to hold to resolution. You can sell at any time — if the price moves to 78¢, you can lock in the gain. This is the single biggest mental shift from sportsbook betting: you're trading a price, not placing a wager. For the full mechanic, read how event contracts work.

How much does Polymarket charge?

Since October 2026, Polymarket US charges a price-based taker fee (highest near 50¢, about $1.74 per 100 contracts). Orders that rest on the book pay no fee; rebates on them are limited to very high-volume traders from October 19, 2026. Compared to a sportsbook's 5-10% built-in vig, the fee structure is dramatically more transparent.

Liquidity varies by market — high-profile events like presidential elections or playoff series are deep, while niche markets can be thin. Always check the bid-ask spread before taking a position.

Is Polymarket safe?

Yes. Polymarket is regulated by the CFTC, segregates customer funds, and is required to meet federal compliance and reporting standards.

That regulatory backstop is the single biggest reason US traders choose federally-regulated venues over offshore sportsbooks, which operate outside U.S. consumer protection.

Who should use Polymarket?

Polymarket is best for world cup futures and golden boot and tightest spreads on big markets.

If that profile fits you, Polymarket earns its 4.7/5 rating and belongs in your account rotation.

How does Polymarket compare to Kalshi?

Polymarket and Kalshi are both federally-regulated event-contract venues, but they target different traders. See our full Polymarket vs Kalshi comparison.

In short: Polymarket excels at world cup futures and golden boot, while Kalshi is typically the default for broader U.S. coverage and brand recognition.

How do I sign up for Polymarket?

Visit Polymarket, complete identity verification (KYC), fund your account from a U.S. bank, and start trading. The full process typically takes under 10 minutes.

The minimum age is 18; we recommend 21+. Read terms before funding your account.

Responsible trading tools

Polymarket provides deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and links to support resources. If trading stops being fun, take a break. Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit ncpgambling.org.

Our verdict

Best overall for World Cup futures and per-match contracts. Polymarket earns 4.7 out of 5 in our rankings — a strong choice if you fit the profile.

What Polymarket looks like: real screenshots

Screenshots taken by our editor on 27 September 2026. Prices and markets change constantly.

Sources

Every figure on this page is checked against primary sources — regulator filings, exchange documentation and official results. Prices and rules change; verify with the operator before trading.

1. Polymarket documentation — markets, fees and resolution — Polymarket
2. Kalshi Help Center — fees, funding and account rules — Kalshi
3. Designated Contract Markets (DCMs) — U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission
4. The Commodity Exchange Act & regulations — U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission

Guides about Polymarket

• International Football Tournaments 2026–2030: Dates & Markets
• Women's World Cup 2027 in Brazil: Dates, Cities & Markets
• World Cup 2030 Prediction Markets: Hosts, Dates & Odds
• World Cup 2026 Prediction Markets: Post-Tournament Review

Compare Polymarket head-to-head

Polymarket vs Kalshi All comparisons

How Polymarket compares

Frequently asked questions

Does Polymarket have a promo code?

Yes — new US traders can use code WCPREDICTS to receive a Deposit $10, get a $25 trading bonus. Deposit $10 to receive a $25 trading bonus. New US traders (Polymarket's minimum age is 18; we recommend 21+). Eligibility varies by state.

Is Polymarket legal in the US?

Polymarket is relaunching in the U.S. under federally-regulated structure. Once live, it will be available to US traders under federal law.

When will Polymarket launch in the U.S.?

Polymarket has announced a U.S. relaunch following its acquisition of QCX, a federally-regulated exchange. An exact the US launch date has not been confirmed.

How much will Polymarket charge in the U.S.?

Fee schedules for the U.S. relaunch have not been finalized publicly. Historically, Polymarket charged minimal trading fees on its offshore product.

Is Polymarket safe?

The U.S. version will operate under CFTC oversight with the standard requirements for fund segregation and compliance reporting.

What will I be able to trade on Polymarket?

Politics, culture, crypto, sports, and macro events. Polymarket built its reputation on high-volume political and cultural markets.

How does Polymarket compare to Kalshi?

Polymarket has historically had deeper liquidity in cultural and political moments; Kalshi has the regulatory head start and broader U.S. market coverage today.