In June, trading volumes on prediction market platforms soared due to the excitement surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Kalshi reported over $31 billion in notional volume, a 70% increase from May, while Polymarket achieved a record high of $10.8 billion. Kalshi has maintained daily volumes exceeding $1 billion since the tournament began on June 11.
The U.S. platform of Polymarket saw a notable rise to $3.5 billion from $1.77 billion in May. Betting on Team USA's chances to win has attracted significant interest, with $64 million on Kalshi and $122 million on Polymarket, despite low odds of 4.3% and 3%, respectively.
The World Cup has also invigorated Rothera, a new prediction market platform, which recorded $2 billion in trading volume, capturing 7% of the U.S. market. The increased open interest on these platforms indicates heightened engagement, with Kalshi surpassing $1 billion and Polymarket nearing $400 million.
Asaf Meir, CEO of Solidus Labs, highlighted the World Cup as a critical test for prediction markets, as regulators and institutions assess their maturity and safety in handling high volumes. This surge in activity may set a precedent for how these platforms manage future events and contracts