SOFTSWISS has released a research report on prediction markets, examining how the category has developed and what it means for iGaming operators considering entry.
The ‘Prediction Markets: From Trading to Betting’ report covers the full arc of prediction markets – from their origins in 15th-century papal election betting to the platforms processing billions in monthly volume today. It maps the competitive field, from Polymarket and Kalshi to the first iGaming-native launches in 2025 and 2026. It also breaks down regulatory status across North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania, and closes with practical guidance on how to launch prediction markets as an iGaming product.
The report draws on data from Dune, Keyrock, TRM Labs, and Blask, among other sources. It includes demand signal analysis across five markets – the US, UK, Ireland, Australia, and Canada – and profiles the mechanics behind both trading-style and betting-style prediction market models.
The report's data points to sports as the highest-value event category on both Kalshi and Polymarket. Four of the ten most profitable Polymarket wallets traded predominantly on sports between January and March 2026, generating $22 million in combined profit. For operators already running a sportsbook, that overlap is a direct revenue opportunity. Bernstein projects the global market will reach $1 trillion by 2030, with 370% volume growth forecast by the end of 2026 alone.
Demand signals vary by market: the US and UK have seen the steepest growth trajectories, while Canada and Australia are also expanding. Regulatory treatment differs across all of them, and the report maps each jurisdiction in detail.
The report follows the recent launch of SOFTSWISS Prediction Markets, the tech provider's own solution. It allows operators to offer event-based wagering on outcomes across politics, economics, sport, entertainment, and other categories. The fixed-odds model is more compatible with existing iGaming licences and operator infrastructure than peer-to-peer trading, and requires no change to the betting mechanics players already know.
The product is available as a standalone iFrame widget or as a direct integration within the SOFTSWISS Sportsbook, with launch timelines of two to three days for existing partners.
