Texas Prediction Markets: Best Sites & Legal Platforms in 2026

Are prediction markets legal in Texas?

Yes, prediction market apps are legal in Texas, while traditional sports betting remains illegal and elusive.

Platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket are regulated federally by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission rather than by Texas gambling authorities. Instead of betting against the house, users buy and sell event contracts with other traders, making the system closer to financial markets than sportsbooks.

The regulatory outlook is uncertain at this stage, amidst efforts to formally regulate and legalize Texas sports betting. Some states and tribal groups argue that prediction markets exploit a legal loophole to offer gambling-like products, hinting at how future legal challenges could affect their availability.

Texas prediction market apps reviewed

Since Texas prediction markets can operate legally, residents have access to multiple platforms and prediction market promos. With a population of over 30 million and a strong sports culture, the state is a major market for event trading. We've vetted some of the top prediction market platforms available to Texans.

Explore our favorite TX prediction markets below: 

• Kalshi - Best Texas prediction market app
• Polymarket - Best for trending predictions
• ProphetX- Best for odds shoppers
• Novig - Best for low-friction trading
• OG.com - Best margin trading
• Crypto.com - Best crypto prediction app
• DraftKings Predictions - Best for familiar app experience
• FanDuel Predicts - Best for beginners

1. Kalshi - Best Texas prediction market app

Kalshi at a glance

	Kalshi
Kalshi sign-up bonus	Up to $500 in Bonuses
Kalshi promo code	COVERS
Top feature	Legal sports trading
Minimum deposit	$10
Eligible states	All states + DC (excluding Nevada)
Legal age	18+
Kalshi mobile app	iOS & Android
Offer expiry	Ongoing

Check out our full Kalshi review to discover why it’s one of the leading prediction market apps in 2026 and how to use the Kalshi promo code 'COVERS'.

Kalshi responsible gaming  

Certain limitations apply. The offer is available to new users only, subject to the terms and conditions at kalshi.com/tc/500. 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.

2. Polymarket - Best for trending predictions

Polymarket at a glance

	Polymarket
Polymarket sign-up bonus	Deposit $10, Get $20 Bonus
Polymarket promo code	Invite code: COVERS
Top feature	Trade real-world events instantly
Minimum deposit	As little as $10
Eligible states	All states + DC (Excluding Nevada)
Legal age	18+
Polymarket mobile app	iOS & Android
Offer expiry	Ongoing

Our exhaustive Polymarket promo code page details everything about this industry leader. You can also check out our Polymarket review, as well as the definitive Polymarket vs. Kalshi guide page to see which prediction site is right for you in 2026. 

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.

3. ProphetX - Best for odds shoppers

ProphetX at a glance

	ProphetX
ProphetX sign-up bonus	Trade $10, Get $20
ProphetX promo code	COVERS
Top feature	Exchange-style
Minimum deposit	$10
Eligible states	All states + DC
Legal age	18+
ProphetX mobile app	iOS & Android
Offer expiry	Ongoing

For further research into the newest prediction market, check out our ProphetX promo code page. 

4. Novig - Best for low-friction trading

My expert analysis

Novig stands out in Texas because its sweepstakes model offers a more familiar path into predictions than direct-money event trading. Users participate with virtual currency, and prize redemption depends on platform rules and state availability, rather than the product functioning like a traditional cash exchange.

That matters in Texas, where sports culture is massive but the online betting environment remains more constrained than in many large states. Fans are deeply engaged across football, basketball, baseball, UFC, and local rivalries, yet prediction and wagering-style products need careful positioning. Novig’s promotional, contest-like feel can be easier to understand than the order books, counterparties, and market-pricing mechanics that define Polymarket or Kalshi.

In Texas, Novig’s strength is that it feels native to sports fandom rather than financial speculation. It is closer to a game layer on top of sports and culture, making it more approachable for fans who want competition and prizes without the sharper trading identity of Kalshi or the crypto-market feel of Polymarket.

Novig at a glance

	Novig
Novig sign-up bonus	Spend $5, Get $50 in Novig Coins
Novig promo code	COVERS100
Top feature	Sweepstakes-style trading
Minimum deposit	$5
Eligible states	All states + DC (Excluding Nevada)
Legal age	21+
Novig mobile app	iOS & Android
Offer expiry	Ongoing

Use the Novig promo code COVERS100 to activate the welcome offer.

5. OG.com - Best for margin trading

OG.com at a glance

	OG.com
OG.com sign-up bonus	Trade $10, Get $10 Bonus
OG.com referral code	Applies automatically
Top feature	Margin trading
Minimum deposit	$10
Eligible states	All states except NY and AZ (users in IL, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NV, and OH are also not permitted to trade sports contracts)
Legal age	18+
OG.com mobile app	iOS & Android
Offer expiry	Dec. 31, 2026

Read our OG.com promo code page for an in-depth look at one of the industry's newest prediction market bonuses. OG is undoubtedly one of the best alternative apps like Kalshi.

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.

6. Crypto.com - Best crypto prediction market app

Crypto.com at a glance

	Crypto.com
Crypto.com sign-up bonus	Unlock $50 Bonus
Crypto.com referral code	Applies automatically
Top feature	Legal sports trading
Minimum deposit	$10
Eligible states	Most states + DC
Legal age	18+
Crypto.com mobile app	iOS & Android
Offer expiry	Ongoing

Our Crypto.com review outlines everything you need to know about the Crypto referral code offer. The operator makes our list of the best alternative apps like Polymarket.

7. DraftKings Predictions - Best for familiar app performance

DraftKings Predictions at a glance

	DraftKings Predictions
DraftKings Predictions sign-up bonus	Spend $5, Get $150 in Prediction Dollars
DraftKings Predictions promo code	Automatically applied
Top feature	Legal sports trading
Minimum deposit	$5
Eligible states	All states + DC (excluding Maine and New Hampshire)
Legal age	18+
DraftKings Predictions mobile app	iOS & Android
Offer expiry	Aug. 23, 2026

Consult our DraftKings Predictions promo code page for more in-depth details on the markets offered in your region, plus much more.

DraftKings responsible gaming  

Event Contract Trading is offered by DraftKings Predictions, a CFTC-registered Introducing Broker 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. $150 issued as Predictions Dollars, which are site credits that are non-withdrawable, single-use, and expire in 1 year. Reward issued as $50 in Predictions Dollars every 7 days via click-to-claim for 14 days. 7 days = 168hrs. Terms: dkng.co/predictionspromo. Ends 8/23/26 at 11:59 PM ET.

8. FanDuel Predicts - Best for beginners

FanDuel Predicts at a glance

	FanDuel Predicts
FanDuel Predicts sign-up bonus	Coming Soon
FanDuel Predicts promo code	Applies automatically
Top feature	Fully integrated platform
Minimum deposit	$5
Eligible states	All 50 states plus D.C. (sports trading available in 18 states)
Legal age	18+ (19 or 21 in some)
FanDuel Predicts mobile app	iOS & Android
Offer expiry	N/A

Explore more in our comprehensive FanDuel Predicts promo code page, as well as our Polymarket vs. FanDuel Predicts guide.

How to trade prediction markets in Texas

Signing up for an account with one of the Texas prediction market platforms is a breeze, regardless of which you choose. Here are the steps involved:

Upcoming sports events to trade on

Prediction markets vs. sports betting in Texas

While prediction markets and traditional sports betting may seem similar, they operate under different models in Texas, including how markets work, how prices are set, and how platforms earn revenue.

🤝 Market structure: peer-to-peer vs. the house

Prediction markets are peer-to-peer, allowing users to trade event contracts directly with one another. Each position usually has an opposite counterpart, and the platform only facilitates trades without setting prices. In contrast, sportsbooks have you betting against the operator, complete with Texas sportsbook promos that set, monitor, and adjust odds to manage risk and profitability.

📊 How pricing and odds are determined

In Texas prediction markets, prices move with supply and demand, reflecting the market’s collective view of an outcome’s likelihood. Sportsbooks, however, set odds using internal models, with only minor adjustments from betting activity.

💰 How platforms make money - Revenue models

Prediction platforms earn via small transaction fees on trades, while sportsbooks build in a margin, or “vig,” to guarantee profit regardless of results.

🔄 Trading flexibility and legality

Prediction markets allow buying and selling contracts before and during events, offering early exit options. Sports bets usually require waiting for the final outcome. Legally, prediction markets operate in Texas under federal regulation, while traditional sports betting remains restricted, even though popular sports outcomes are still widely covered.

What prediction markets can Texas trade?

Texans can trade event contracts across various markets. Each platform delivers a slightly different experience, but in general, the following markets are available at most:

🏈 Sports prediction markets

Nearly 50% of Texans think sports betting should be legalized in their state, so you shouldn’t be surprised to see sports markets dominate Texas prediction markets. They fill the gap created by Texas lawmakers’ unwillingness to pass legislation legalizing sports betting.

When you trade sports contracts, you are generally required to answer simple “yes” or “no” questions about an upcoming sporting event. Think “Will the Houston Rockets beat the Dallas Mavericks?” or “Will Cooper Flagg score 15 points or more against the Houston Rockets?”

After you’ve bought your contracts, you can simply wait until the event takes place and receive $1 per share. Alternatively, you can sell your position early if your opinion or the market changes in your favor. Texans have access to tons of U.S. and international sports, from the NFL and NBA to the Olympics and the Premier League.

Best platform for sports predictions

FanDuel Predicts is our top pick for sports fans. It has plenty of sports markets, and its user-friendly interface and mobile app do a great job of breaking down the process for beginners. Plus, there is a certain amount of brand loyalty from the FanDuel sportsbook.

Christian Stringer Betting Editor

🗳️ Political and election markets

Political elections in Texas typically take center stage at both the state and federal levels, resulting in an uptick in political and election markets on platforms. Interest around election betting sites has grown significantly, alongside media coverage examining how markets are affecting election results. Many news outlets paid close attention to political prediction markets available on platforms in the lead-up to the recent Texas Senate races.

Best platform for political predictions 

Polymarket tends to have the most up-to-date markets on politics and world events, especially in its popular “Trending” section.

Christian Stringer Betting Editor

📊 Economic indicator markets

Economic indicators have become hot topics in Texas and across the country, with people paying close attention to everything from the gross domestic product (GDP) to the Federal Reserve’s interest rates.

If you always have economic indicators on your mind, you can buy and sell contracts related to them. For example, you can buy “yes” or “no” contracts that answer questions like, “Will the unemployment rate reach [percentage] by [date]?”

Best platform for economic predictions

Kalshi offers a solid selection of economic markets, a clean, easy-to-use interface, and built-in price-tracking software that helps you analyze economic indicators.

Christian Stringer Betting Editor

🪙 Cryptocurrency price predictions

Texas is considered a major cryptocurrency hub, so it’s only right that platforms take notice and offer markets based on crypto price predictions. These markets normally focus on whether certain coins will hit a specific price by a given date. There are also markets on crypto news and current events, like whether Trump will create a National Bitcoin Reserve.

Best platform for crypto predictions 

Polymarket currently offers the most Texas crypto prediction markets. Even though it’s mostly focused on sports markets for now, Crypto.com is another natural choice for crypto users, as it offers a wide range of features beyond prediction markets, from crypto banking to wallet management.

Christian Stringer Betting Editor

🎬 Entertainment and culture markets

Everything is bigger in Texas, as they say, including the state’s entertainment scene. From Arlington, the so-called “Entertainment Capital of Texas,” to Austin, the "Live Music Capital of the World,” Texas is a real cultural hub.

Texas prediction markets let you buy contracts on everything from the top-streamed songs on Spotify in a given week, and Academy Award winners via Oscars betting sites, to the latest changes in celebrity love lives.

Best platform for entertainment and culture predictions

Kalshi lets Texans dive into the hottest pop culture trends, from blockbuster movies and viral moments to upcoming award shows and major cultural milestones.

Christian Stringer Betting Editor

Texas-specific rules for prediction markets

Texas prediction markets are legal, though they operate in a legal gray area. Since there aren’t any specific laws permitting these platforms in the state, it's possible their future could be called into question at any time.

Still, prediction markets have their own rules for users in Texas who wish to access the platforms.

Age requirements: You must generally be at least 18 to register with Texas prediction market platforms, though that rule could become a bigger policy fight. In July 2026, the Texas Medical Association called for a 21+ minimum age for prediction markets, citing concerns about gambling-related harm among young adults.

Tax treatment of earnings: You need to report any profits earned through Texas prediction markets as ordinary income, investment income, and/or capital gains income on the federal level. However, one of the biggest benefits of using these markets in Texas is that it has no state income tax.

Understand the potential risks of Texas prediction markets

Even though prediction markets argue they offer a very different product to sports betting sites, many of the same risks are present in both. Here are some potential risks you should be aware of when using prediction markets: In anticipation of trading contracts through Kalshi, Polymarket, FanDuel Predicts, Crypto.com, or another platform, I strongly recommend understanding the potential risks:

• Ever-changing landscape: Laws regarding Texas prediction markets may change at any time. We recommend keeping an eye on this page for the latest developments.
• Choose a solid community: event contract prices change frequently. On platforms with fewer users, the prices can change more drastically, making it harder to buy and sell contracts at predictable prices. Deeper markets with lots of active users are better.
• Find a prediction market that suits your needs: It goes without saying that you can easily lose money using prediction markets. Set a budget for your trading and don’t invest any money you aren’t prepared to lose. Ultimately, prediction markets exist as a form of entertainment; they aren’t a get-rich-quick hack.

How Texas compares to neighboring states

Texas is bordered by New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana. Each takes a different approach to dealing with prediction market platforms.

New Mexico has not always looked favorably on sports betting, as it’s only legal at certain tribal casinos. Yet, it has done little to deter prediction market platforms from operating within its borders so far.

Oklahoma has been much more vocal about its problems with prediction market platforms. State lawmakers have been pushing Senate Bill 1589 (SB 1589) to make these platforms illegal, and so far, it has passed with little pushback.

Arkansas is another state that has been against allowing prediction market platforms to operate. While the Arkansas Attorney General has recently changed its stance on sports betting, it has referred to prediction markets as a form of illegal gambling.

Louisiana is in the same boat as Arkansas. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board has equated prediction markets with unlicensed sports wagering and has sought to eliminate platforms that offer event contracts in the state.

On the West Coast, California prediction markets are readily available to traders in the Golden State.

The regulatory landscape for prediction markets

Prediction markets are regulated at the federal level by the CFTC. However, that’s only half the story. Various states have taken legal action against prediction markets, arguing that they should be treated as gambling platforms and regulated as such.

For now, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has spoken out specifically about prediction markets, but he declared daily fantasy sports (DFS) illegal in 2016 and doesn’t appear to have changed his stance on any form of gambling.

Additionally, tribal gaming groups have spoken out against prediction market platforms on both the state and federal levels. Most notably, the Indian Gaming Association and the National Congress of American Indians have accused these platforms of using legal loopholes to offer sports betting to those in states where online gambling is illegal.

It hasn’t all been plain sailing between prediction platforms and the CFTC, either. In 2022, the CFTC took legal action against Polymarket, fined the platform $1.4 million, and required it to cease operations in the U.S. for a period of time. It returned in 2025 after acquiring the CFTC-registered QCEX. Still, the incident shows that the landscape is far from certain.

Texas prediction market recent updates

July 7, 2026: The Texas Medical Association called on state lawmakers to establish a 21+ minimum age for prediction markets, citing concerns about gambling-related harm among young adults. No new Texas age restriction has been enacted.

June 16, 2026: Novig secured CFTC approval, giving the sports-first platform a path to operate as a federally regulated prediction market.

June 12, 2026: ProphetX received federal prediction-market approval, adding another sports-native exchange to watch in states like Texas.

June 10, 2026: The CFTC proposes new prediction market rules that appear to support many sports-related event contracts while adding limits around certain higher-risk markets.

May 6, 2026: Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick wants to close the prediction market 'loophole' in Texas.

March 9, 2026: Underdog poised to offer event contracts after acquiring Aristotle’s CFTC-regulated exchange and clearinghouse licenses.

Jan. 15, 2026: FanDuel launches prediction markets in Texas featuring FanDuel Predicts, with sports event contracts offered in 18 of those jurisdictions.

Are prediction markets worth trying in Texas?

Yes, prediction markets are definitely worth trying in Texas. First and foremost, they are currently operating in compliance with U.S. laws and are fully regulated in the U.S., albeit not specifically in Texas.

In a state as sports-crazy as Texas, where regular online sports betting or real money Texas online casinos are not legal, legal prediction markets represent the next best thing. They also offer markets on a wide range of non-sports topics, from politics to pop culture.

It’s also important to understand that the laws and regulations governing prediction markets are not set in stone, and it’s possible that Texas may, at some point, take steps to limit access. However, for now at least, they are a great option.

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