Plus500 has expanded its US prediction markets operation by introducing CFTC-regulated sports event contracts through its Plus500 Futures platform, covering major American sports leagues including the NFL, NBA, and MLB. The FTSE 250-listed broker is leveraging technology from Kalshi to power these offerings, building on its initial prediction markets launch in February 2025 that focused on economic and geopolitical events.
The timing appears strategic, coinciding with the FIFA World Cup where similar markets have drawn enormous interest. Competitor platform PolyMarket has already seen over three billion dollars in trading volume on World Cup-related contracts alone, signaling significant retail appetite for sports-based prediction trading.
Plus500’s broader prediction markets strategy began when it became the clearing partner for a CME Group and FanDuel joint venture. The company reported revenues of over 240 million dollars in Q1 2026, marking 18 percent year-on-year growth. For the firm, sports contracts represent access to an entirely new customer demographic rather than simply deepening engagement with existing CFD traders.
The regulatory positioning matters considerably. These instruments operate under CFTC oversight as financial products, distinguishing them from conventional sports betting while still attracting audiences familiar with wagering platforms. This creates unique compliance considerations for brokers entering the space, particularly around customer classification, risk disclosure, and marketing restrictions.
FXnCO Insight
Prediction markets are emerging as a legitimate regulated channel for brokers to access retail sports betting audiences without gaming licences, but firms must ensure their compliance frameworks adequately address the operational and promotional differences between derivatives trading and betting-adjacent products.
Source: Finance Magnates