Prediction Markets Capture 27% of Sports Bets as Kalshi Trading Hits 10x Early-2026 Levels
Updated
Updated · Bloomberg · Jul 18
Prediction Markets Capture 27% of Sports Bets as Kalshi Trading Hits 10x Early-2026 Levels
3 articles · Updated · Bloomberg · Jul 18
Summary
Prediction markets accounted for 27% of sports betting during the World Cup, a sharp gain that underscored their growing challenge to traditional sportsbooks.
Kalshi drove much of that surge, repeatedly setting trading records during the tournament and doubling the peak it reached just before kickoff during the New York Knicks’ playoff run.
The platform was also running at nearly 10 times the activity seen at many points earlier in 2026, showing the World Cup accelerated momentum already building this year.
That expansion follows earlier World Cup milestones, including a record $1.27 billion Argentina-Spain final contract and more than $50 billion in prediction-platform wagers in June.
With most users losing money, are prediction markets a new Wall Street for the few?
Are booming prediction markets the future of finance or just a massive, unregulated casino?
When you can bet on new drug trials, where is the line between smart investing and insider trading?
$50 Billion Bet: How the 2026 World Cup Final Transformed Sports Betting and Prediction Markets
Overview
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final marked a turning point for global sports betting, with wagering projected to surpass $50 billion. This surge was driven by the rapid expansion of legal mobile sports betting across North America, growing from 19 to 39 states, and the tournament’s North American location, which ensured prime-time matches and maximized audience engagement. The U.S. team’s strong performance fueled unprecedented domestic interest, leading to record activity across both traditional sportsbooks and innovative prediction markets. Together, these factors created a new era of fan participation and financial involvement in global sporting events.