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Are prediction markets the future of online betting?

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Deni

in Industry

July 27, 2026

Are prediction markets the future of online betting?

Roobet has launched a prediction market app, Meta is planning to do the same, while India has banned all prediction markets. Is the format becoming mainstream in iGaming?

Meta is building its own prediction markets app, Roobet just became the first major crypto casino to launch one, and Kalshi has been pulled out of India's market regulators changed the rules.

These are just the latest news regarding prediction markets and online gambling. It all signals them moving from a niche fintech curiosity to becoming mainstream in the iGaming industry. The only thing is that regulators still haven't decided what to do about them.

Meta to launch its own prediction app

Mark Zuckerberg recently announced that Meta plans to launch its own prediction markets app. This could be a sign of a potential mainstream breakthrough for the format.

If Meta successfully enters this field, it could massively expand the reach of prediction markets and bring them to billions of users overnight.

Even more, Meta’s involvement might just normalise prediction markets as a form of interactive content. Pretty much the same as fantasy sports or trivia games, for instance.

On the other hand, this also raises the obvious follow-up, namely, how do regulators treat something that looks like trading on one platform and betting on another?

Regulatory pushback from India

Not all regions are on board with the idea. Kalshi, a US-based prediction market operator, recently left India’s gambling market after regulators classified the platforms as a form of gambling and shut down operations across the country.

With Kalshi’s withdrawal, there is significant regulatory uncertainty surrounding prediction markets. Supporters argue that prediction markets offer genuine and valuable forecasting data and democratise access to financial speculation.

However, critics warn that there are lots of risks to consider, which include gambling addiction, market manipulation, and line blurring between investing and betting.

India’s stance is one that is currently part of a bigger, unresolved debate. One that revolves around whether prediction markets should be treated as a financial tool, subject to securities regulation, or as a gambling product and subject to gambling laws.

That's the big question revolving around prediction markets, and right now, different countries are landing on different answers.

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Crypto meets prediction markets

Roobet, a major crypto casino, has recently announced the launch of its own prediction markets. And as such, it has become the first large-scale iGaming operator to integrate the format.

It’s a significant move that bridges two of the biggest sectors: event-driven speculation and cryptocurrency-based gambling.

By building prediction markets into its casino, Roobet now lets players wager on standard casino games and real-world outcomes side by side, all using crypto. Potentially, this integration can draw in a whole new demographic of players.

The bigger picture

Meta’s entry could mainstream the format, while Roobet’s integration is a clear indication of crypto casinos yet again pushing the boundaries.

At the same time, we can’t ignore Kalshi’s exit from India, which clearly shows that regulatory hurdles can be expected for this form of entertainment, too. The next few years will define prediction markets' role in iGaming, and it all depends on the regulators' stance.

For now, you can read our in-depth article asking whether prediction markets are already coming for online casinos. We also cover why Gen Zs are growing on the format with their demand for fast, real-money engagement.

Stay tuned with CasinoWow to follow for new developments and see whether prediction markets will skyrocket in popularity or disappear like a thief in the night.

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By Deni

Verified Casino Expert

Expertise: Casino Content Writing, Journalism & (PR), Gambling Regulations, Dutch & German Gambling Markets

Hi, I'm Deni! I'm a research obsessive with a passion for gambling regulations, market trends, and casino news. I dig deep into every topic I cover - so every article, review, or guide I write is built on solid research and real detail.

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Last updated: July 27, 2026

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