PredictIt Review 2026
The Political Markets Specialist
PredictIt is the oldest US prediction market still operating: built on political markets, kept alive by a 2022 court win, and still the only platform with granular individual congressional race and state-level primary markets. The fee structure is the worst of any regulated platform (5% + 10%), and the $850 contract cap limits position size. But for deep political market access, no other platform comes close. This review explains when PredictIt is worth it.
PredictIt quick numbers — 3.6/5
- Individual House and Senate race markets
- State-level primary and gubernatorial races
- Deep political market catalog going back to 2014
- USD settlement: no crypto
- Established community of political traders
- Available in all 50 states
- 5% profit fee + 10% withdrawal: worst in market
- $850 maximum per contract side
- No-action letter (not full CFTC DCM): regulatory uncertainty
- US politics only: no economics, sports, weather
- 5,000 trader cap per market limits liquidity
- Slower resolution than Kalshi on major events
PredictIt's regulatory status — what it means for traders
PredictIt operates under a CFTC no-action letter: a specific exemption allowing it to offer real-money prediction markets within stated limits. This is different from Kalshi's full DCM license. The limits baked into the no-action exemption are:
No economics, sports, weather, or crypto contracts
Maximum $850 bet on YES or NO in any single market
Once a market hits 5,000 traders, it closes to new entrants
PredictIt cannot advertise or actively market its services
2022 closure attempt and court win: In August 2022, the CFTC attempted to withdraw PredictIt's no-action letter, effectively ordering it to shut down. A federal court issued an injunction blocking the closure. PredictIt has continued operating since then while the regulatory status remains technically unresolved. As of May 2026, no shutdown has occurred and the platform is fully operational.
PredictIt fee structure — the full cost
PredictIt is the most expensive regulated US prediction market by fee structure. The dual-fee model: 5% on profit plus 10% on every withdrawal: compounds into a significant drag on returns.
On the same $850 doubling trade, Kalshi takes $59.50 in total fees. PredictIt takes $208.25. The $850 cap means you can't make this disadvantage up with size: it's structural.
The case for using PredictIt alongside Kalshi
Despite the fees and limits, PredictIt has genuine value for one specific use case: granular US congressional and state-level political markets that simply don't exist anywhere else.
- Individual House race winners
- State-level primary outcomes
- Gubernatorial races in specific states
- State legislative control (which party controls GA Senate?)
- Early primary season candidate markets
- Presidential race (more liquid, better fees)
- Federal Reserve decisions
- Economics data (CPI, NFP, GDP)
- Sports championship outcomes
- Weather event contracts
Common PredictIt questions
Is PredictIt still operating in 2026?+
Yes. PredictIt continues to operate under its CFTC no-action letter exemption. The 2022 shutdown attempt was blocked by a federal court. As of May 2026, there is no active regulatory action that would immediately shut PredictIt down, though the no-action letter status remains less secure than Kalshi's full DCM license.
What are PredictIt's fees?+
5% of net profits on winning trades, plus 10% on every cash withdrawal. These are the highest fees of any regulated US prediction market. For most traders, Kalshi offers better fee economics for general political markets: use PredictIt only for the niche congressional and state-level markets Kalshi doesn't offer.
Is PredictIt safe?+
PredictIt has operated since 2014 without any fund loss or misappropriation events. USD settlement, no crypto involved. The regulatory risk is the no-action letter: if the CFTC succeeds in revoking it, PredictIt would need to wind down and return funds. Kalshi's full DCM license provides stronger regulatory stability.
Is there a better alternative to PredictIt?+
Kalshi is better for most traders: lower fees, no contract cap, wider market catalog (economics, sports, weather), full CFTC DCM license. PredictIt's unique value is granular congressional and state-level race markets. Use both: Kalshi as your primary, PredictIt for niche political markets it exclusively offers.
Compare PredictIt
Kalshi vs PredictIt
The definitive comparison: full DCM vs no-action letter, profit fee vs 5%+10%, unlimited vs $850 cap.
ComparisonPolymarket vs PredictIt
Global USDC liquidity vs US politics USD, which is better for political prediction market traders?
GuideHow to trade on PredictIt
Account setup, the $850 limit explained, depositing funds, and understanding PredictIt's contract structure.