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How Does Polymarket Work? Complete Beginner’s Guide (2026)
Updated March 2026 — A comprehensive, plain-English explanation of how Polymarket works, including binary outcome markets, the order book, USDC deposits, how to trade step by step, market resolution, payouts, fees, and how it compares to sports betting.
How Polymarket Works: The 60-Second Version
Polymarket is a prediction market built on the Polygon blockchain. You buy shares that pay out based on real-world events. Here is how it works in a nutshell:
- Binary markets — Every market has two outcomes: Yes or No. You buy shares in the outcome you predict.
- Price = Probability — A Yes share at $0.70 means the market thinks there is a 70% chance the event happens.
- Winning shares pay $1.00 — If your prediction is correct, each share is worth exactly $1.00. Losing shares are worth $0.00.
- Trade with USDC — You deposit US dollar stablecoins (USDC) to buy and sell shares.
- Sell anytime — You do not have to wait for the event. You can sell your shares whenever you want.
- No trading fees — Polymarket does not charge fees on trades.
Below, we break down every aspect of how Polymarket works so you can go from total beginner to confident trader.
Table of Contents
- What Is Polymarket?
- How Binary Outcome Markets Work
- The Order Book: How Prices Are Set
- How to Sign Up for Polymarket
- How to Place a Trade (Step by Step)
- How Markets Resolve (UMA Oracle)
- How Payouts Work
- Polymarket Fee Structure
- Key Differences From Sports Betting
- Market Categories Available
- Mobile vs Desktop Experience
- Tips for Beginner Traders
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Polymarket?
Polymarket is the world's largest prediction market platform. It allows anyone to trade on the outcomes of real-world events — elections, economic data, sports, science milestones, cultural events, and more. Think of it as a stock exchange, but instead of buying shares in companies, you buy shares in outcomes.
Polymarket was founded in 2020 and is built on the Polygon blockchain, a layer-2 scaling solution for Ethereum. All trades settle on-chain using USDC (a US dollar stablecoin), which means every transaction is transparent and verifiable on the blockchain.
Here is what makes Polymarket different from traditional betting platforms:
- Peer-to-peer trading — You trade against other users, not against a house or bookmaker
- Open order book — Prices are set by supply and demand, not by oddsmakers
- Blockchain-based — All settlements are transparent and on-chain
- Non-custodial — You retain control of your funds through your wallet
- Wide range of markets — Not limited to sports; covers politics, economics, crypto, science, and more
Polymarket lets you put real money behind your predictions about what will happen in the world, and pays you $1.00 per share if you are right. It is the largest and most liquid prediction market in the world, with billions of dollars in cumulative trading volume. To learn more about what prediction markets are and why they matter, see our introductory guide.
Polymarket is not regulated by the CFTC and is officially restricted for US users, though it remains widely accessible globally. If you are a US resident looking for a regulated prediction market, see our Polymarket vs Kalshi comparison.
How Binary Outcome Markets Work
Every market on Polymarket is a binary outcome market. This means each market has exactly two possible results: Yes or No. Understanding this simple concept is the key to understanding how Polymarket works.
The Basic Mechanics
For every market, Polymarket creates two types of shares:
- Yes shares — Pay out $1.00 each if the event happens
- No shares — Pay out $1.00 each if the event does not happen
Shares trade at prices between $0.01 and $0.99. The price of a share represents the market's estimated probability of that outcome occurring.
| Share Type | Current Price | What It Means | Payout If Correct |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | $0.42 | Market says 42% chance BTC hits $150K | $1.00 (profit: $0.58) |
| No | $0.58 | Market says 58% chance BTC stays below $150K | $1.00 (profit: $0.42) |
Notice that the Yes price ($0.42) + No price ($0.58) = $1.00. This is always the case — the two outcomes are complementary.
Price = Probability
This is the most important concept on Polymarket: the share price IS the probability. Here is how to read it:
| Share Price | Implied Probability | What the Market Believes |
|---|---|---|
| $0.05 | 5% | Very unlikely to happen |
| $0.25 | 25% | Possible but unlikely |
| $0.50 | 50% | Coin flip — could go either way |
| $0.75 | 75% | Likely to happen |
| $0.95 | 95% | Almost certain to happen |
This is what makes prediction markets so powerful as forecasting tools. The prices aggregate information from thousands of traders who are putting their own money at risk. If you believe an event is more likely than the current price suggests, you can buy shares and profit if you are right. Learn more about prediction market accuracy in our dedicated guide.
How Shares Are Created
Polymarket uses a system called a Conditional Token Framework (CTF). When $1.00 in USDC enters the market, it creates one Yes share and one No share. This means:
- The total supply of Yes and No shares is always balanced
- For every $1.00 that enters, exactly $1.00 will be paid out when the market resolves
- The market is a zero-sum game — what winning traders earn comes from what losing traders paid
The Order Book: How Prices Are Set
Polymarket uses a Central Limit Order Book (CLOB) to match buyers and sellers. If you have used a stock trading platform, this will feel familiar. If you have not, here is how it works.
What Is an Order Book?
An order book is simply a list of all pending buy and sell orders for a particular share. It has two sides:
- Bids (Buy Orders) — People who want to buy shares and the maximum price they are willing to pay
- Asks (Sell Orders) — People who want to sell shares and the minimum price they will accept
| Bids (Buyers) | Asks (Sellers) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Shares | Price | Shares |
| $0.64 | 500 | $0.66 | 300 |
| $0.63 | 1,200 | $0.67 | 800 |
| $0.62 | 2,000 | $0.68 | 450 |
| $0.60 | 3,500 | $0.70 | 1,100 |
The best bid is $0.64 (highest someone will pay). The best ask is $0.66 (lowest someone will sell for). The spread is $0.02 — the gap between the two. Tighter spreads mean more liquid, active markets.
Market Orders vs Limit Orders
When you trade on Polymarket, you have two main order types:
| Order Type | How It Works | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Market Order | Buys or sells immediately at the best available price in the order book | When you want instant execution and do not mind paying the current ask (or receiving the current bid) |
| Limit Order | Places an order at a specific price you choose. It sits in the order book until someone matches it. | When you want a specific price and are willing to wait. Gives you price control. |
You want to buy 100 Yes shares right now. The best ask is $0.66. You place a market order for 100 shares and pay $66.00 total (100 x $0.66). Execution is instant.
Limit order example:
You think $0.66 is too expensive. You place a limit order to buy 100 Yes shares at $0.63. Your order sits in the order book at $0.63. If the price drops and someone is willing to sell at $0.63, your order fills. If the price never drops that low, your order stays open until you cancel it.
What Moves the Price?
Prices change based on supply and demand. When a significant news event happens — say, a candidate surges in the polls or an economic report is released — traders rush to buy or sell shares based on the new information. This shifts the order book and changes the price in real time.
For example, if a surprise poll shows Candidate A leading, traders will rush to buy Yes shares on "Will Candidate A win?", driving the price up. This is how prediction markets aggregate information and turn it into a probability estimate. If you want to build automated strategies around this, check out our Polymarket API guide.
How to Sign Up for Polymarket
Getting started on Polymarket is straightforward. Unlike traditional exchanges like Kalshi that require full KYC identity verification, Polymarket has a simpler onboarding process.
Sign-Up Methods
| Method | How It Works | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Email sign-up | Enter your email, verify it, and Polymarket creates a wallet for you automatically using Magic Link technology | Easiest |
| Google/Apple sign-in | Sign in with your existing Google or Apple account. Wallet is created automatically. | Easiest |
| Connect existing wallet | Connect a MetaMask, Coinbase Wallet, WalletConnect, or other Web3 wallet | Moderate (requires existing crypto wallet) |
Depositing Funds (USDC)
Polymarket operates on USDC (USD Coin), a stablecoin pegged 1:1 to the US dollar. One USDC always equals approximately one US dollar. You need USDC in your Polymarket wallet to start trading.
There are several ways to deposit:
- Credit or debit card — The easiest method. Polymarket partners with payment processors like MoonPay or Stripe to let you buy USDC directly with your card. Expect a 1-3% processing fee.
- Bank transfer — Available in some regions. Lower fees than card, but slower (1-3 business days).
- Transfer USDC from another wallet or exchange — If you already have USDC on Coinbase, Binance, or another exchange, you can send it directly to your Polymarket wallet address on the Polygon network. This is the cheapest method (minimal gas fees).
- Bridge from Ethereum — If you have USDC on Ethereum mainnet, you can bridge it to Polygon. This is more technical and involves bridge fees.
Important: Send USDC on Polygon
If you are transferring USDC from an external wallet or exchange, make sure you are sending it on the Polygon network (not Ethereum mainnet). Sending USDC on the wrong network can result in lost funds. When withdrawing from an exchange, select "Polygon" or "MATIC" as the network. For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our How to Deposit on Polymarket guide.
How to Place a Trade on Polymarket (Step by Step)
Here is exactly how to place your first trade on Polymarket, from start to finish.
Go to polymarket.com and browse by category (Politics, Crypto, Sports, Economics, etc.) or use the search bar. Click on a market that interests you.
Before trading, click on the market details to read the resolution criteria. This tells you exactly what conditions must be met for the market to resolve Yes or No, and what source will be used to determine the outcome. Never skip this step.
Decide which outcome you want to bet on. If you think the event will happen, buy Yes shares. If you think it will not happen, buy No shares.
Enter the amount you want to spend (in USDC). Polymarket will show you how many shares you will receive at the current price. You can also switch to a limit order and set your own price if you want a specific entry point.
Review the order summary, which shows your total cost, number of shares, average price per share, and potential payout ($1.00 per share if correct). Click Buy to confirm.
Your shares appear in your Portfolio tab immediately. You can track unrealized profit/loss in real time as the price moves.
You have two options: Sell your shares at any time at the current market price (to lock in profit or cut losses), or hold until the market resolves. If the market resolves in your favor, you automatically receive $1.00 per share.
Market: "Will the US GDP growth exceed 3% in Q2 2026?"
Current Yes price: $0.35
Your belief: You think GDP growth will exceed 3% (you think the market is underestimating it)
Action: You buy 200 Yes shares at $0.35 each
Total cost: 200 × $0.35 = $70.00 USDC
Scenario A (you are right): GDP exceeds 3%. Market resolves Yes. Your 200 shares pay out 200 × $1.00 = $200.00. Profit: $130.00 (186% return).
Scenario B (you are wrong): GDP does not exceed 3%. Market resolves No. Your Yes shares are worth $0.00. Loss: $70.00.
Scenario C (you sell early): The price rises to $0.55 before the GDP data is released. You sell your 200 shares at $0.55 each = $110.00. Profit: $40.00 (57% return), without waiting for resolution.
For more detailed trading strategies, see our guides on how to trade on Polymarket and how to bet on Polymarket.
Start Trading on Polymarket
The world's largest prediction market. Trade on politics, economics, crypto, and more.
Open Polymarket → Compare Polymarket vs KalshiHow Markets Resolve: The UMA Oracle System
One of the most common questions beginners have is: who decides the outcome? On Polymarket, market resolution is handled by a decentralized oracle system, not by Polymarket itself.
What Is an Oracle?
In blockchain terms, an oracle is a system that brings real-world data onto the blockchain. Since smart contracts cannot access external information on their own, oracles serve as the bridge between the real world and on-chain contracts.
Polymarket uses the UMA Optimistic Oracle to resolve markets. Here is how the process works:
The Resolution Process (Step by Step)
-
Market end date arrives.
Every market has defined resolution criteria and a resolution source (e.g., official government data, AP election calls, a specific website). These are publicly visible in the market details before you trade.
-
A proposer submits the outcome.
Anyone can submit the result by posting a bond (a deposit that ensures they have skin in the game). The proposer checks the resolution source and submits "Yes" or "No."
-
Challenge period begins.
After a proposal is submitted, there is a waiting period (typically 2 hours) during which anyone can dispute the proposed outcome by posting their own bond.
-
If no dispute: market resolves.
If nobody challenges the proposed outcome during the challenge period, the resolution is finalized and winning shares are automatically redeemable for $1.00 each.
-
If disputed: UMA token holders vote.
If someone disputes the outcome, the resolution goes to a decentralized vote by UMA token holders. They review the evidence and vote on the correct outcome. The losing party forfeits their bond.
The UMA oracle creates strong incentives for honest reporting. Proposers must stake a bond, so submitting false outcomes costs them money. Disputers also stake bonds, so frivolous challenges are discouraged. And UMA token holders have financial incentives to vote correctly because their token value depends on the oracle's reputation. The result is a decentralized, tamper-resistant resolution system that does not rely on any single entity — including Polymarket itself — to determine outcomes.
What Happens to Your Shares After Resolution?
| If You Hold... | Market Resolves Yes | Market Resolves No |
|---|---|---|
| Yes shares | Each share redeemable for $1.00 | Shares worth $0.00 |
| No shares | Shares worth $0.00 | Each share redeemable for $1.00 |
After resolution, you can redeem your winning shares to claim your USDC payout. This process is typically automatic — the USDC appears in your wallet balance.
How Payouts Work
Polymarket's payout system is simple once you understand the binary outcome model.
The Core Payout Rule
Every winning share pays exactly $1.00
Regardless of what you paid for the share, if your prediction is correct, each share is redeemable for $1.00 USDC. Your profit per share is $1.00 minus the price you paid.
Payout Examples
| Purchase Price | Shares Bought | Total Cost | Payout If Correct | Profit | Return % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $0.10 | 100 | $10.00 | $100.00 | $90.00 | 900% |
| $0.25 | 100 | $25.00 | $100.00 | $75.00 | 300% |
| $0.50 | 100 | $50.00 | $100.00 | $50.00 | 100% |
| $0.75 | 100 | $75.00 | $100.00 | $25.00 | 33% |
| $0.90 | 100 | $90.00 | $100.00 | $10.00 | 11% |
| $0.95 | 100 | $95.00 | $100.00 | $5.00 | 5% |
Notice the pattern: cheaper shares offer higher potential returns but are less likely to win (since low prices mean low probability). Expensive shares offer smaller returns but have a higher chance of paying out. This is the fundamental risk-reward tradeoff in prediction markets.
Withdrawing Your Funds
After redeeming winning shares (or selling shares), your USDC balance can be withdrawn to:
- An external crypto wallet — Send USDC to any Polygon-compatible wallet address
- A crypto exchange — Transfer to Coinbase, Binance, Kraken, etc. and convert to USD
- Direct to bank (via on-ramp partners) — Some on-ramp services allow direct USDC-to-bank withdrawals
For more details on getting your money out, see our deposit and withdrawal guide.
Polymarket Fee Structure
One of Polymarket's biggest advantages is its fee-friendly structure. Here is the complete breakdown.
| Fee Type | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Trading fees | $0 | No fees on market orders or limit orders |
| Deposit fees (Polymarket) | $0 | No fee from Polymarket. Payment processors may charge 1-3% for card deposits. |
| Withdrawal fees | $0 | No fee from Polymarket. Minimal Polygon gas fee (fractions of a cent). |
| Redemption fees | $0 | No fee to redeem winning shares for USDC |
| Polygon gas fees | ~$0.001-$0.01 | Negligible network fees for on-chain transactions |
| Card on-ramp fees | 1-3% | Charged by the payment processor (MoonPay, Stripe), not Polymarket |
If Polymarket does not charge trading fees, how does it sustain itself? Polymarket has raised significant venture capital funding and generates revenue through other means, including potential future fee introductions, institutional data partnerships, and treasury management of platform float. The zero-fee model is designed to attract maximum trading volume and liquidity, which makes the platform more valuable over time.
For a full comparison with other platforms, see our Polymarket Fees guide and our Polymarket vs Kalshi comparison.
Key Differences From Sports Betting
Many beginners come to Polymarket from a sports betting background. While prediction markets and sports betting share some similarities (you wager money on outcomes), the mechanics are fundamentally different.
| Feature | Polymarket | Sports Betting |
|---|---|---|
| Counterparty | Other traders (peer-to-peer) | The sportsbook (you bet against the house) |
| How odds are set | Open order book (supply and demand) | Oddsmakers at the sportsbook |
| House edge (vig/juice) | None | 4-10% built into the odds |
| Can you sell your position? | Yes, anytime before resolution | Limited (cash out options vary) |
| Market types | Politics, economics, science, crypto, sports, culture | Primarily sports |
| Currency | USDC (crypto stablecoin) | USD (or local currency) |
| Regulation (US) | Not CFTC/SEC regulated | State gaming commissions |
| Transparency | Full order book visible; on-chain settlement | Limited; odds set internally |
| Trading fees | $0 | Built into the vig |
| Payout structure | $1.00 per winning share | Variable based on odds |
On a sportsbook, if you bet on a coin flip, you might get -110 odds on both sides. That means you risk $110 to win $100 — the sportsbook keeps the extra $10 (their vig). Over time, this house edge guarantees the sportsbook profits.
On Polymarket, a true 50/50 market prices both Yes and No at $0.50. You pay $0.50 to win $1.00 — a fair 2:1 return. There is no hidden edge. The only cost is the small spread between the bid and ask prices in the order book, which is driven by market participants, not the platform.
The ability to sell your position at any time is another major advantage. If you bet on a game at a sportsbook, you are locked in until the game ends. On Polymarket, if new information changes your mind, you can sell your shares immediately at the current market price. This makes Polymarket more like a financial market than a betting platform. For more on prediction market strategies, see our strategies guide.
Market Categories Available on Polymarket
Polymarket offers markets across a wide range of categories. Here is what you can trade on:
| Category | Example Markets | Typical Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Politics & Elections | Presidential elections, congressional races, approval ratings, legislation passage | Highest volume |
| Economics | Fed interest rate decisions, inflation data, GDP growth, unemployment rate | High volume |
| Crypto | Bitcoin price milestones, Ethereum upgrades, ETF approvals, regulatory actions | High volume |
| Sports | Championship winners, game outcomes, player milestones | Moderate volume |
| Science & Technology | AI milestones, space launches, climate events, pandemic developments | Moderate volume |
| Culture & Entertainment | Awards shows, box office records, celebrity events | Lower volume |
| Weather & Climate | Hurricane landfalls, temperature records, wildfire events | Seasonal |
| Current Affairs | Geopolitical events, company actions, social trends | Varies |
New markets are added regularly, often within hours of a major news event. Polymarket's community and team are responsive to current events, creating markets that reflect what people care about right now. This breadth of coverage is a major reason traders prefer Polymarket over traditional betting platforms.
Pro Tip: Focus on Markets You Know
The most successful Polymarket traders focus on markets where they have an information advantage. If you follow cryptocurrency closely, you may spot mispricings in crypto markets. If you are a political junkie, you may have insights that the market has not priced in. You do not need to trade everything — focus on what you know best. Read our prediction market strategies guide for more tactical advice.
Mobile vs Desktop Experience
Polymarket is available on both mobile and desktop. Here is how the experiences compare.
| Feature | Desktop (Web) | Mobile (App) |
|---|---|---|
| Market browsing | Full experience with advanced filters | Full experience, swipe-friendly |
| Order placement | Market and limit orders | Market and limit orders |
| Order book depth | Full depth chart visible | Simplified view |
| Portfolio tracking | Detailed P&L breakdown | Detailed P&L breakdown |
| Notifications | Browser notifications | Push notifications for price alerts |
| Deposits | All methods supported | All methods including Apple Pay |
| Chart analysis | Full-size charts with time ranges | Compact charts |
| Multi-market view | Side-by-side comparison possible | One market at a time |
Overall, the mobile experience on Polymarket is well-designed and fully functional. You can do everything on mobile that you can do on desktop. The Polymarket app is available on both iOS and Android. Most casual traders will find the mobile experience perfectly sufficient, while power traders may prefer the larger screen for detailed order book analysis.
Getting Started on Mobile
If you are primarily a mobile user, here is the quickest path to your first trade:
- Download the Polymarket app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store
- Sign up with your email or Google account (takes under 60 seconds)
- Deposit USDC using a credit card via the in-app deposit flow
- Browse trending markets on the home screen
- Tap a market, choose Yes or No, enter your amount, and confirm
The entire process from download to first trade can be completed in under 5 minutes. Push notifications keep you updated on price movements and market resolutions so you never miss an important event.
Enable push notifications for markets you are actively trading. Polymarket can alert you when prices move significantly or when a market is about to resolve. This is especially useful for time-sensitive markets like election night results or economic data releases where prices can swing dramatically in minutes.
Tips for Beginner Traders
If you are new to Polymarket and prediction markets in general, here are some practical tips to help you get started on the right foot.
Start Small
Begin with small positions ($5-$20) while you learn how the platform works. Prediction markets have a learning curve, and it is better to make your early mistakes with small amounts. As you gain experience and develop an edge, you can gradually increase your position sizes.
Read the Resolution Criteria
This cannot be overstated. Every market on Polymarket has specific resolution criteria that define exactly what needs to happen for the market to resolve Yes or No. Misunderstanding the resolution criteria is one of the most common beginner mistakes. For example, a market about "Will X happen by December 2026?" resolves based on the specific date — even if X happens one day later, you lose.
Understand Liquidity
Not all markets have the same amount of liquidity. High-volume markets (like major elections) have tight spreads and easy execution. Low-volume markets may have wide spreads, meaning you pay more to enter and receive less when you exit. Check the order book depth before placing large orders.
Diversify Your Positions
Do not put all your funds into a single market. Spread your capital across multiple markets where you have conviction. This reduces your risk of a single wrong prediction wiping out your account. Think of it like building a portfolio of predictions.
Use Limit Orders for Better Prices
If you are not in a rush, use limit orders instead of market orders. You can often get filled at a better price by placing a limit order a few cents below the current ask (when buying) or above the current bid (when selling). This small edge adds up over many trades.
Your First Trade Checklist
- Read the market description and resolution criteria carefully
- Check the order book for liquidity (avoid markets with very wide spreads)
- Start with a small position ($5-$20)
- Use a limit order if you are not in a rush
- Set a mental stop-loss (decide in advance when you would sell at a loss)
- Check the market resolution date to know your time horizon
- Do not risk more than you can afford to lose
Ready to Start Trading?
Join Polymarket — the world's largest prediction market with zero trading fees.
Open Polymarket → Compare All PlatformsFrequently Asked Questions
How does Polymarket work?
Polymarket is a blockchain-based prediction market where you buy and sell shares in the outcomes of real-world events. Each market has binary outcomes (Yes or No), and shares are priced between $0.01 and $0.99. The price reflects the crowd's estimated probability. If your prediction is correct, each winning share pays out $1.00. You trade using USDC (a US dollar stablecoin) on the Polygon blockchain. There are no trading fees.
How do Polymarket prices work?
Polymarket prices represent the market's estimated probability of an outcome. A Yes share at $0.65 means a 65% chance. Prices are set by an open order book where buyers and sellers submit orders. As demand for Yes shares increases, the price rises. Yes + No prices always sum to approximately $1.00.
How do you make money on Polymarket?
You make money by buying shares at a low price and either (1) holding until the market resolves in your favor, earning $1.00 per winning share, or (2) selling your shares at a higher price before resolution. For example, buying Yes at $0.40 and the event happening nets you $0.60 profit per share. You can also sell at $0.60 before resolution for $0.20 profit per share without waiting.
What is USDC and why does Polymarket use it?
USDC (USD Coin) is a stablecoin pegged 1:1 to the US dollar, issued by Circle. Polymarket uses it because the platform operates on the Polygon blockchain and needs a stable digital currency. 1 USDC always equals approximately $1.00, so you are effectively trading in dollars. You can buy USDC with a credit card directly on Polymarket or transfer it from a crypto exchange.
How does Polymarket resolve markets?
Markets are resolved using the UMA Optimistic Oracle. A proposer submits the outcome based on the market's predefined resolution source. There is a challenge period during which anyone can dispute the result. If no dispute, the market resolves. If disputed, UMA token holders vote on the correct outcome. This decentralized system ensures transparent, tamper-resistant resolution without relying on a single entity.
Is Polymarket safe to use?
Polymarket uses a non-custodial model and audited smart contracts on Polygon. You retain control of your funds. However, it is not regulated by the CFTC or any US financial regulator, and there is inherent smart contract risk. US users are officially restricted. For a US-regulated alternative with segregated funds at FDIC-insured banks, see our Polymarket vs Kalshi comparison.
What fees does Polymarket charge?
Polymarket charges zero trading fees on all orders. There are no deposit, withdrawal, or redemption fees from Polymarket itself. The only costs you may encounter are credit card processing fees (1-3%, charged by payment providers like MoonPay) and negligible Polygon gas fees (fractions of a cent). See our full fee breakdown.
How is Polymarket different from sports betting?
Key differences: (1) You trade against other users, not against a house with a built-in edge. (2) Markets cover far more than sports — politics, economics, science, crypto, and more. (3) Prices are set by an open order book, not oddsmakers. (4) You can sell your position at any time before resolution. (5) There is no vig or juice. (6) Settlement uses blockchain and USDC rather than traditional banking.
Can I use Polymarket on my phone?
Yes. Polymarket has a mobile app for iOS and Android as well as a mobile-optimized website. The app supports full trading functionality including market browsing, order placement, portfolio tracking, and deposits. Push notifications are available for price alerts. See our Polymarket App review for details.
What types of markets are available on Polymarket?
Polymarket offers markets across politics and elections, economics (Fed rates, inflation, GDP), cryptocurrency, sports, science and technology, culture and entertainment, weather, and current affairs. New markets are added frequently — often within hours of major news events. Political and economic markets typically have the highest trading volume and liquidity.
Related guides: What Are Prediction Markets? · How to Trade on Polymarket · How to Bet on Polymarket · Polymarket Fees · Polymarket API · Polymarket App · Polymarket vs Kalshi
Related Guides
- What Are Prediction Markets? — Complete introduction to prediction markets and how they work
- How to Trade on Polymarket — Advanced trading strategies and order types
- How to Bet on Polymarket — Beginner-friendly guide to placing your first bet
- Polymarket Fees — Full breakdown of all costs and fees
- Polymarket API — Build bots and automated trading strategies
- Polymarket App — Mobile app review and setup guide
- Is Polymarket Legit? — Safety, legitimacy, and trust analysis
- Is Polymarket Legal? — Legal status and regulatory overview
- How to Deposit on Polymarket — Step-by-step deposit and withdrawal guide
- Polymarket vs Kalshi — Head-to-head platform comparison
- Prediction Market Strategies — Proven strategies for consistent profits
- Prediction Market Accuracy — How accurate are prediction markets really?