Prediction Market Polymarket Seeks License for Margin Trading in the U.S.

Prediction market Polymarket has recently made a significant move by applying for a license to offer margin trading to U.S. users. This new development will allow users to place bets with less upfront capital, making it more accessible for investors. Bloomberg reported on Thursday that Polymarket’s U.S. affiliate, Coming Home GBA LLC, has filed for a futures commission merchant license with the National Futures Association. Additionally, the company will need authorization from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) for changes to its rulebook that would enable trading without fully collateralized positions.

For those unfamiliar with prediction markets, platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi offer users the opportunity to make yes-or-no wagers on the outcomes of various events, such as weather patterns, sports games, and election results. Margin trading, a practice commonly seen in traditional markets, allows investors to open positions with less initial capital, providing more flexibility and potential for higher returns. Kalshi, a competitor of Polymarket, received clearance to offer margin trading back in March.

The decision by Polymarket to pursue margin trading comes at a time when prediction markets are experiencing significant growth. In 2025, volumes in the prediction market space reached $51 billion, and projections suggest that this figure could soar to around $240 billion in 2026. Wall Street analyst firm Bernstein has even predicted that the volume could skyrocket to $1 trillion by 2030 as the sector evolves from a niche form of wagering to a more mainstream concept known as “information markets.” These markets cover a wide range of topics, including sports, cryptocurrency, politics, and economic trends.

Overall, Polymarket’s move towards offering margin trading in the U.S. signals a positive shift in the prediction market industry, making it more accessible and appealing to a broader range of investors. With the potential for significant growth in the coming years, it will be interesting to see how this sector continues to evolve and shape the future of trading and wagering.