Apps Like Kalshi: Best Alternatives and Prediction Market Platforms in 2026

What’s the latest from apps like Kalshi?

Apps like Kalshi are ramping up for football season with new trading tools, funding options, and more ways to access event contracts through familiar platforms. Here’s what I’m watching from leading Kalshi alternatives in September.

• Gemini launches an NFL Trading Hub: Gemini has added a dedicated live NFL hub that lets me follow changing lines, jump between games, and manage positions from one place. New Live Activities put NFL scores on my phone’s home screen, while prepackaged Combos give me another way to trade multiple football outcomes. Gemini is also running a Week 1 promotion that gives eligible new users 50% back on trades, up to $100.
• ProphetX adds 24/7 funding: ProphetX’s EDGE Markets integration gives eligible EDGE Boost users access to real-time deposits around the clock. EDGE Boost has also added instant funding with stablecoins, Bitcoin, and Ethereum, giving active traders another way to move money outside traditional banking hours.
• Polymarket expands football Combos: Polymarket’s NFL Combos let me combine game winners, spreads, totals, and other outcomes into multi-selection trades. With the NFL season underway, this is one of the clearest ways Polymarket differentiates its sports experience from Kalshi.
• Underdog offers multi-exchange access: Underdog Predictions stands out because I can access contracts sourced from multiple exchanges rather than relying on a single marketplace. That makes it particularly useful when I want a sports-first alternative to Kalshi without giving up exchange-based pricing.
• Fanatics combines predictions with its main app: Fanatics is integrating prediction markets into the Fanatics Sports & Casino app, with products that change based on my location. I like this approach because it removes another standalone-app barrier and shows how traditional betting brands are increasingly treating prediction markets as part of their core experience.

Best apps like Kalshi by category

While Kalshi may have the most brand power, enthusiasts have plenty of options, with many complementary prediction market promos. Explore the best alternative prediction markets below: 

Top prediction market platforms

• Polymarket - Best for liquidity
• ProphetX - Best for exchange-style trading
• Novig - Best for sports-first prediction trading
• OG.com - Best for advanced trading tools
• Crypto.com - Best for crypto
• DraftKings Predictions- Best total value promo
• Underdog- Best for multi-exchange access
• Gemini- Best for fee-conscious traders
• Plus500- Best for low-cost trading
• FanDuel Predicts - Best for beginners

What is Kalshi?

Kalshi is a prediction exchange where you trade simple yes/no contracts on real-world events across sports, politics, economics, pop culture, breaking news, and more. It’s one of the most widely used prediction market apps in the U.S., with markets covering a broad range of mainstream and niche events.

Kalshi is federally regulated by the CFTC, though its availability and the legal status of certain event contracts remain contested in some states. For a full breakdown, check out our Kalshi review, then head over to our Kalshi promo code page to see the current new-user offer, '$35 Trading Bonus', and the latest promo code, 'COVERS35'.

Our Kalshi referral code page also explains how the separate friend-referral program works and how eligible users can access referral rewards.

Kalshi responsible gaming  

Certain limitations apply. The offer is available to new users only, subject to the terms and conditions specified by Kalshi. 18+ only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Please carefully consider if it is appropriate for you in light of your personal financial circumstances. Kalshi products are not available in all jurisdictions. See kalshi.com/regulatory for more information.

Kalshi vs other prediction apps

Kalshi is the best prediction market app in the U.S. for good reason, but that doesn’t mean it’s without its downsides.

Where Kalshi stands out

• Regulated at a federal level: Kalshi is CFTC-approved, operating as a legal exchange rather than a gray-market platform.
• Broad U.S. availability: Kalshi is available in most U.S. jurisdictions, but not in Nevada or Washington. Availability and eligible contract categories can change, so confirm what is available in your location directly with Kalshi before registering or trading.
• Strong liquidity: Major events tend to attract steady volume, which means tighter pricing and a smoother trading process.
• Simplified trading: Kalshi does a great job of streamlining the trading process for beginners, and you can place trades with just a few taps.

Where alternatives may be a better fit

• Trending or niche markets: Some competitors have better coverage of niche markets, such as crypto movements or alternative culture.
• Crypto-based trading: Crypto is available on Kalshi, but it’s converted to USD before trading. So, you’re not actually trading or holding positions with crypto, compared to actual crypto platforms.
• Ongoing promotions: Kalshi currently offers the '$35 Trading Bonus' sign-up offer, but some competitors provide a broader range of recurring promotions for existing customers.

Compare top Kalshi alternatives at a glance

See how the top Kalshi alternatives stack up against the popular prediction platform. To learn more about two of the industry leaders, dive into our exhaustive Polymarket vs. Kalshi guide page.

	Kalshi	Polymarket	DraftKings Predictions	Novig
Compare	Pin	Pin	Pin	Pin
Welcome bonus	$35 Trading Bonus	Deposit $10, Get $50 Bonus	Spend $5, Get $200 in Prediction Dollars	Deposit $10, Get $25
Promo code	COVERS35	COVERS	Automatically applied	COVERS
Best for	Overall trading experience	Global liquidity	Total promo value	Sports-first prediction trading
Key differentiator	Features for big events, including a dedicated NFL power rankings page	Largest global user base and deepest markets	Familiar DraftKings experience with a high-value new-user offer	Option to set your own prices
States available	All states + DC, excluding NV and WA	All states + DC, excluding Nevada	Varies by state and market	All states + DC, excluding Nevada

What I noticed testing apps like Kalshi

I tested Kalshi and several of its alternatives to see how their interfaces compare once you move beyond the promotional pages. I focused on how each platform helps users discover markets, interpret prices, place trades, and understand funding, using Kalshi as the baseline for identifying where each alternative felt more familiar, more specialized, or fundamentally different.

The benchmark for an all-in-one market view

I started with Kalshi to establish a baseline before comparing its alternatives. On the 2028 Democratic presidential nominee market, I selected No on Gavin Newsom and entered $100, which showed a potential payout of $119.06. On the same screen, I could review Newsom's historical price movement, compare his implied chances with the other candidates, and see the market's overall trading volume. Of the interfaces I tested, Kalshi did the best job of keeping the broader market context and the individual trade controls together without making me move between different screens.

A sharper, sports-first trading experience

ProphetX felt more specialized than Kalshi because almost everything in the interface was built around sports pricing and exchange-style trading. I opened its Super Bowl LXI futures market and focused on the Buffalo Bills, who were priced among leading contenders such as the Los Angeles Rams and Baltimore Ravens. Switching from a market order to a limit order let me enter the price I was willing to accept instead of immediately taking the available market price. Kalshi offers a much broader mix of event categories, but ProphetX felt more purpose-built for someone who primarily wants to compare sports prices and control how they enter a position.

More visual context for comparing market momentum

OG.com stood out for the amount of historical context it placed at the center of the market page. In its 2027 pro basketball championship market, I could compare the price movement of Oklahoma City, San Antonio, Philadelphia, and New York on the same chart before reviewing their current Yes and No prices. After Philadelphia added LeBron James, I was surprised to see the team still positioned below Oklahoma City and San Antonio. Compared with Kalshi, OG.com made it easier for me to judge whether a current price reflected a steady trend, a recent surge, or a possible opportunity the market had not fully accounted for.

A more focused sports prediction experience

Novig now operates as a sports-focused prediction market, but its experience still includes Novig Coins and Novig Cash alongside its sports trading product. When I tested the purchase page, I could compare the free-play Novig Coins and bonus Novig Cash options while keeping a sports futures market and order slip visible beside them. Compared with Kalshi, Novig felt much more narrowly centered on sports, while the two-currency setup added another layer to understand before trading. That makes Novig a stronger fit for users who primarily want a sports-first prediction experience and are comfortable learning how its Coins, Cash, and trading flow work together.

A cleaner, category-led discovery experience

Crypto.com presented prediction markets in a more guided and visually simplified way than Kalshi. Its landing page separated everything into five large categories: Sports, Politics, Economics, Financials, and Culture. The first step of the experience was clear and easy to navigate. Kalshi provides more information and active markets immediately, while Crypto.com first asks users to choose a broad subject, which may feel less overwhelming for someone who does not yet know what they want to trade.

A more familiar experience for sportsbook users

DraftKings Predictions felt less like learning a new financial exchange and more like adapting an existing sports platform to event contracts. I opened its MLB championship market and selected the Toronto Blue Jays to win the World Series. After entering $100, the trade slip showed a potential payout of $3,333, while the market list made it easy to compare Toronto with more heavily favored teams. Compared with Kalshi's more exchange-native presentation, DraftKings used a familiar selection-and-slip workflow, and the Build a Combo option reinforced that connection for users already accustomed to DraftKings products.

A more advanced way to combine market positions

When I tested Polymarket Combos, I saw how the platform lets users combine positions from separate markets into one higher-upside trade. The ticket paired an Alevtina Ibragimova tennis position with an Under 2.5 maps esports position, with a $1 entry showing a potential return of approximately $9.27. Compared with Kalshi's more straightforward single-contract flow, Polymarket offered more flexibility and upside, but the combined pricing and added risk also made the experience feel more advanced and less immediately intuitive. Another detail that stood out was that, as I was taking the screenshot, the combo prices were updating live right in front of me, which reinforced how active and fast-moving the market felt.

Best apps like Kalshi

What's better than Kalshi? Kalshi may be the market-leading prediction market platform in the U.S., but it’s not the only show in town. Does Kalshi have competitors? Yes, each of the eight Kalshi alternatives below brings something different to the table and is worth checking out in its own right.

Polymarket - Best Kalshi alternative

My expert analysis

Polymarket is available to eligible U.S. users via mobile app, and you can jump in using the invite code 'COVERS' to try one of the most buzzworthy prediction market apps of  2026. More crypto-native than most platforms, Polymarket thrives on speed, volume, and real-time reaction to breaking news. From major sporting events to crypto price swings and global headlines, its markets update instantly as sentiment shifts, giving users a live read on where the crowd thinks outcomes are headed.

With simple “Yes” or “No” contracts and a trading experience that feels closer to a fast-moving exchange than a traditional sportsbook, Polymarket is a strong fit for active, data-driven users. If you’re comfortable with crypto and want access to the most dynamic, high-interest markets in the space, it’s one of the most engaging platforms available. I think the $50 bonus is a solid bankroll boost, too.

Flip through our up-to-date Polymarket promo code page to learn about its latest bonuses and promos. Refer to our Polymarket review or our Polymarket vs Kalshi comparison to determine which prediction site is ideal for you in 2026. Consider apps like Polymarket for additional alternatives. 

Polymarket responsible gaming  

18+ Only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Not available in all jurisdictions. Trading is risky. 100% loss can occur. See https://polymarket.com/tos for more information. The Polymarket US App serves as an independent software provider and affiliate of Polymarket US and Polymarket Clearing, the CFTC-regulated exchange and clearing organization.

ProphetX - Best for exchange-style trading

My expert analysis

ProphetX is a strong fit for users who like the idea of Kalshi’s event-contract model but want something more focused on sports, market pricing, and exchange-style pricing. ProphetX is built around peer-to-peer markets, allowing users to trade against one another rather than simply accepting a line from a traditional sportsbook. That lets users shop for better prices, take available offers, or post their own odds in a marketplace that feels closer to a sports betting exchange than a standard book.

Compared with Kalshi, ProphetX is more specialized and sports-first. Kalshi offers a broader regulated prediction market experience across categories like politics, economics, weather, and culture, while ProphetX is more directly aimed at users who care about sports pricing, lower fees, and getting the best of the number. Kalshi feels like a general event-contract exchange; ProphetX feels like a sharper alternative for sports bettors who want peer-to-peer pricing without the usual sportsbook middleman.

The ProphetX promo code COVERS
 gives you access to everything you need to fully understand the operator.

Novig - Best for sports-first prediction trading

My expert analysis

Novig is now positioned as a sports-first prediction market, with sports markets, peer-to-peer pricing, and more control over how users enter a position. Users can take an available price or submit their own price and wait for another participant to match it, giving the platform a more exchange-style feel than a standard sportsbook line.

That separates Novig from Polymarket. Polymarket covers a broader mix of sports, politics, crypto, culture, and current events, while Novig is more narrowly focused on sports, which can make it easier to understand for users who are mainly interested in teams, games, futures, and player-driven markets.

For sports fans, Novig’s appeal is that it does not ask them to become general event traders. It gives them a sports-native way to try prediction-market-style trading, and the current 'Deposit $10, Get $25' offer gives new users a simple entry point to learn the platform.

Learn everything about the Novig promo code 'COVERS'.

OG.com - Best for advanced trading tools

My expert analysis

OG.com is a strong fit for users who are comfortable with crypto and want a more global, trading-oriented experience than Kalshi. OG.com offers a crypto-native prediction market where users buy and sell binary “yes” or “no” contracts across sports, politics, and finance. Contracts trade between $0.01 and $1.00 and settle at $1.00 if the outcome is correct, giving the platform a simple format within a more sophisticated digital-asset ecosystem.

Compared with Kalshi, OG.com feels less like a regulated U.S. event exchange and more like an active crypto trading venue. Its emphasis on advanced trading tools such as leaderboards, parlays, and OG Alpha market insights gives experienced users more ways to engage, while Kalshi is generally more defined by its regulated structure and straightforward event-contract model.

Our OG promo code page explains the current sign-up offer, which applies without a promo code, and confirms that no existing-user promotion is available right now.

OG.com responsible gaming  

Campaign period: Extended. The promotion expires seven days after account verification, and only events settled within this seven-day window are eligible. Each qualifying trade must be worth at least $10 and have a probability below 80%. Trades at or above 80% probability will not count. Trades are counted only after they have settled, and trades placed using rewards are not eligible.

Crypto.com - Best for crypto

My expert analysis

Crypto.com Sports is a better fit if you want a crypto-specific experience. Unlike Kalshi, where crypto is converted to USD before you trade, everything on this platform is built around crypto, from deposits and pricing to the overall structure. You can get straight into predictions without converting in and out of fiat, as 400+ cryptocurrencies are supported, which is preferred by many who prefer the privacy, security, and speed of crypto.

Size up our Crypto.com review, which covers all the pertinent details about the Crypto referral code offer.

DraftKings Predictions - Best total value promo

My expert analysis

DraftKings Predictions currently offers the 'Spend $5, Get $200 in Prediction Dollars' sign-up offer to eligible new customers who complete a first event-contract trade of at least $5. No promo code is required, and the offer applies automatically to eligible users. The reward is issued as $50 in Predictions Dollars every seven days via click-to-claim over 21 days, rather than all at once. It’s a strong fit for sports bettors who want a familiar way to try prediction markets without jumping straight into Kalshi, Polymarket, or a crypto-first platform like Crypto.com.

Explore our DraftKings Predictions promo code page for details on the markets available in your region, plus much more.

DraftKings responsible gaming  

Event Contract Trading is offered by DraftKings Predictions, a CFTC-registered Futures Commission Merchant and NFA member. Trading involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone. Market availability varies. Eligibility restrictions apply. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time trade req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Predictions Dollars that expire in 1 year. Reward issued as $50 in Predictions Dollars every 7 days via click-to-claim for 21 days. Click-to-claims expire 7 days after issuance. 7 days = 168hrs. Terms: http://dkng.co/predictionspromo . Ends 9/20/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

Underdog - Best for multi-exchange access

My expert analysis

Underdog is much more sports-focused than Kalshi, which is one of the main reasons I like it for Prediction Picks. While Kalshi spreads its attention across sports, politics, economics, crypto, entertainment, and current events, Underdog feels like a prediction market built specifically for sports fans.

When I open Underdog, I can focus on familiar markets across major U.S. leagues and other popular sports, including game winners, spreads, totals, futures, and player-based outcomes. The contract-style pricing is also straightforward, so I can quickly see what the market thinks an outcome is worth before taking a position.

Markets extend beyond the biggest leagues, but sports remain the centerpiece. If I primarily want to predict what happens on the field rather than trade elections or economic data, Underdog is a more natural fit for me than a broad prediction platform like Kalshi. I can access the platform on desktop or trade through the Underdog iOS and Android apps.

Reveal all key features and promotions associated with the Underdog promo code COVERS.

Must be 18+ (19+ in AL, NE; 19+ in CO for some games; 21+ in AZ, MA, and VA) and present in a state where Underdog Fantasy operates. Terms apply. Concerned with your play? Call 1-800-MY-RESET or 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.ncpgambling.org. NY: Call the 24/7 HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY or Text HOPENY (467369)

Gemini - Best for fee-conscious traders

Gemini at a glance

	Gemini
Gemini sign-up bonus	Up to $70 Bonus
Gemini promo code	Automatically applies
Top feature	Low fees
Minimum deposit	$10
Eligible states	All 50 states +DC
Legal age	18+
Gemini mobile app	iOS & Android
Offer expiry	Sep. 30, 2026
Last tested	Sept. 8, 2026

Peep our Gemini promo code page for a closer look at the latest offer.

Plus500 - Best for low-cost trading

Plus500 at a glance

	Plus500
Plus500 sign-up bonus	Trade $10, Get $20 Bonus
Plus500 promo code	COVERS
Top feature	Low-cost trading
Minimum deposit	$10
Eligible states	Eligible supported locations
Legal age	18+
Plus500 mobile app	iOS & Android
Offer expiry	Ongoing
Last tested	Sept. 8, 2026

The Plus500 promo code page showcases everything we now about the relative newcomer.

FanDuel Predicts - Best for beginners

My expert analysis

FanDuel Predicts feels very familiar if you’ve used a sportsbook before. The layout, navigation, and overall flow are all similar to what you’d expect from FanDuel, so it doesn’t feel like an entirely new site to understand.

Unlike Kalshi, it leans more into that sportsbook-style experience in how everything is presented, even though you’re still trading contracts rather than placing bets, which makes it easier to pick up if you’re coming from sports betting. It’s also exclusively available via the FanDuel Predicts app, so it’s specifically designed for mobile users.

If you want to explore prediction markets without straying too far from the sportsbook experience, this is a natural fit.

Learn more in our in-depth FanDuel Predicts promo code page or check out a comprehensive Polymarket vs. FanDuel Predicts breakdown. 

How to choose a Kalshi alternative

The right platform comes down to what you value or are looking for as a trader. A few key differences can meaningfully affect your experience, so it’s worth considering the following before you choose from Kalshi competitors:

• Regulatory model: Look for a CFTC license. CFTC-regulated platforms are licensed exchanges, which means better legal protections for U.S. players. Offshore sites can be more flexible with markets or bonuses, but they have less oversight.
• Market depth/Liquidity: Monitor market activity. High liquidity means tighter pricing and easier exits, whereas low liquidity leads to big price swings.
• Available markets: Consider which events you actually want to trade on. Some platforms focus more on politics and economics, while others concentrate on sports or more niche events.
• State availability: Not every platform is available everywhere. Some are restricted by state laws, while others are more widely accessible across the U.S. You may be asking yourself, "Is Kalshi legal in California?" The answer is yes.
• Fees/contract pricing: Different platforms have different policies around trading fees, spreads, and contract pricing. Small differences in user fees can have a bigger impact on your potential profits, depending on how you trade.

CFTC-regulated vs. sweepstakes prediction apps

There are two main models behind prediction apps in the U.S. On one side, CFTC-regulated platforms are legal exchanges under federal law, where users trade event contracts for real money. The model is similar to other financial trading platforms, distinct from sports betting or gambling, where bettors wager against the house.

Sweepstakes prediction apps, on the other hand, are built around trading with free virtual currency and offering prize redemptions, rather than direct real-money trading. The prizes you can redeem are legally considered promotional sweepstakes prizes, again distinct from regular sports betting.

The key difference isn’t just how they work, but how they’re regulated. CFTC-regulated platforms operate under federal oversight, but state disputes and product-specific restrictions can still affect access, especially for sports event contracts. Sweepstakes laws are set at the state level, so availability also varies by jurisdiction. Always confirm the specific markets available in your location before registering.

For a full breakdown of the top U.S. trading platforms, check out our prediction markets hub.

Covers Expert Analysis

"When I compare CFTC-regulated platforms with sweepstakes apps, I prefer the real-money event-contract model and federal oversight, but I still check whether the platform and specific markets are available in my jurisdiction. Sweepstakes apps can be useful for casual play, although I find their withdrawal rules and prize structures can limit their long-term value."

Christian Stringer, Prediction Markets Editor

Complete list of Kalshi alternatives

How we rate Kalshi alternatives

Learn how we rate sportsbooks

Covers has been rating sports, iGaming, and prediction market platforms for over 30 years. This experience has led us to develop the Covers BetSmart Rating to help ensure you're betting at a safe, legitimate prediction market site. The main factors that go into a prediction market's overall rating are bonuses and promotions, banking and payout speed, key features, security, customer support, user experience, pricing and fees, and much more. These are the core elements that ultimately make or break a prediction market site. We've tested each of these platforms to give you hands-on experience.

Covers BetSmart Rating categories

Now that you know the foundational categories that make up the Covers BetSmart Rating, let's break down each one:

Banking and payout speed

All traders want their earnings quickly, so payout speed is a crucial factor in our evaluation process of the best prediction market sites for withdrawal and deposit options. You also want to have a diverse selection of payment methods to make the process more convenient. The more, the merrier, as they say.

Bonuses and promotions

While a big welcome bonus is always nice, we also verify that the terms and conditions of the most common prediction market sign-up bonuses are fair. We also evaluate promotions for existing customers, such as reload and referral bonuses.

Key features

This is a broad category, but we like to see prediction markets that push the envelope to deliver a fantastic experience. Some of the key features we look for include competitive trading fees, a wide range of market options for major sports, live sports trading, combos, and responsible gambling features.

Security and trust

With real money at stake, you need to know you’re depositing at a site you can trust. Before recommending any prediction market site, we’ll ensure it holds a valid license from the relevant regulators in its jurisdiction. We’ll also ensure the app is safe and secure, protecting your data.

Customer support

If an issue arises, you should be able to have it solved quickly and conveniently by a real person. We appreciate the wide range of options for reaching customer support and how quickly they resolve issues.

Are prediction markets legal in the US?

You may be wondering: Is Kalshi legal in New York and other regions? Federally regulated prediction markets operate under Commodity Futures Trading Commission oversight, but their status is still being contested in several states. The CFTC maintains that federal commodities law gives it exclusive authority over registered event-contract exchanges, while some state regulators argue that certain sports contracts are subject to state gambling laws.

However, state regulators have pushed back, especially as these markets increasingly resemble sports betting. Nevada moved to block Kalshi, arguing its contracts should fall under state gambling rules, and the platform was temporarily restricted from offering certain contracts. On the other hand, a similar measure in Tennessee was found to allow Kalshi to continue operating in the state. You can currently access the following, amongst others:

• California prediction markets
• Florida prediction markets
• Georgia prediction markets
• New York prediction markets
• Texas prediction markets

Responsible gambling

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More Kalshi state clarification pages

Other Kalshi state pages, including is Kalshi legal in Georgia, is Kalshi legal in Texas, is Kalshi legal in New York, and is Kalshi legal in Florida, can help showcase how the operator is navigating both legal and non-legal sports betting environments.