What is the difference between prediction betting and sports betting?

Prediction betting can cover sports and other real-world events. On an exchange, participants trade event contracts. Traditional sports betting usually involves placing a stake at odds offered by a bookmaker. Some sportsbooks also offer prediction bets without exchange trading.

Why do prediction market prices change?

Prices change as buying and selling interest responds to information, expectations and available liquidity. A movement can reflect new evidence, but it can also result from a large order in a thin market.

Can you sell before the outcome is known?

Often, yes, on an exchange that supports it. You need a matching buyer, and the available price may be lower than your purchase price. A sportsbook prediction product may have different exit rules.

Do prediction markets offer guaranteed liquidity?

No universal guarantee applies. Trading volume shows previous activity, while order-book depth indicates current interest at particular prices. Neither ensures that your full position can be sold at your preferred price.

Are prediction markets legal?

Some operate under applicable financial or gambling regulation. Legality depends on the jurisdiction, platform and contract. Check current local rules and operator eligibility rather than assuming all prediction sites have the same status.

Can you lose all your money on a contract?

You can lose the entire amount spent buying a losing binary contract, plus applicable costs. Buying a low-priced contract limits the purchase cost per unit, but it does not make the position safe.

What is the difference between prediction betting and sports betting?

Prediction betting can cover sports and other real-world events. On an exchange, participants trade event contracts. Traditional sports betting usually involves placing a stake at odds offered by a bookmaker. Some sportsbooks also offer prediction bets without exchange trading.

Why do prediction market prices change?

Prices change as buying and selling interest responds to information, expectations and available liquidity. A movement can reflect new evidence, but it can also result from a large order in a thin market.

Can you sell before the outcome is known?

Often, yes, on an exchange that supports it. You need a matching buyer, and the available price may be lower than your purchase price. A sportsbook prediction product may have different exit rules.

Do prediction markets offer guaranteed liquidity?

No universal guarantee applies. Trading volume shows previous activity, while order-book depth indicates current interest at particular prices. Neither ensures that your full position can be sold at your preferred price.

Are prediction markets legal?

Some operate under applicable financial or gambling regulation. Legality depends on the jurisdiction, platform and contract. Check current local rules and operator eligibility rather than assuming all prediction sites have the same status.

Can you lose all your money on a contract?

You can lose the entire amount spent buying a losing binary contract, plus applicable costs. Buying a low-priced contract limits the purchase cost per unit, but it does not make the position safe.

Prediction Betting Guide | Markets, Trading and Risks

Prediction Betting

Prediction betting turns forecasts about sports, politics and world events into markets you can trade. If you’re new to prediction markets or familiar with sports betting and curious about prediction betting, this guide explains the prices, contracts and risks before you get started.

David Enblom

Casino & Betting Expert

55 articles · Online casino, Online bookmakers

David is an experienced writer with a background in marketing and unique insight into the gambling industry. Over the years, he has tested and reviewed more than 100 different online casinos and betting sites. He has also written a comprehensive gambling guide covering everything from casino basics to strategies for experienced players who want to gamble smarter and more responsibly.

Published 28 October 2026Updated 5 November 2026

BC.Game

4.5/5

Read BC.Game review

Extensive casino game selection
Excellent cryptocurrency variety
Exclusive provably fair games
24/7 live chat support

220% Deposit Rakeback

Ad | 18+ | Play responsibly | Offers may vary by location

Claim bonus

BC.Game has made a name for itself as one of the more recognisable crypto gambling platforms, combining thousands of casino games with a fully integrated sportsbook. Launched in 2017, the operator focuses heavily on cryptocurrency payments, generous-looking promotions and exclusive games.

Quick facts

Casino: BC.Game
Established: 2017
Licensing: Curaçao; current status should be checked
Casino games: Over 10,000 reported
Sportsbook: Yes
Live betting: Yes
Welcome bonus: Up to 220,000 BCD advertised
Cryptocurrencies: Over 100 supported historically
Live casino: Yes
VIP programme: Bronze to Diamond
Mobile compatibility: iOS and Android browsers
Customer support: 24/7 live chat and email

Ranking

Casino Games & Software
Sports Betting
Bonuses & Promotions
Payment Methods & Withdrawals
Mobile Experience
VIP Programme
Security & Fairness
Customer Support
Overall Rating

Stake

4.8/5

Read Stake review

Supports more than 20 cryptocurrencies
Huge sportsbook
Modern and responsive interface
Strong VIP rewards program

200% up to €1000

Ad | 18+ | Play responsibly | Offers may vary by location

Get bonus

Stake has become one of the world's most popular crypto gambling platforms, combining a comprehensive sportsbook, online casino, and its exclusive Stake Originals under one account.

Quick facts

Founded: 2017
Company: Medium Rare N.V.
Casino: Yes
Sportsbook: Yes
Stake Originals: Yes
Live Casino: Yes
Cryptocurrencies: 20+
Mobile: Web and App
VIP Program: Yes
Support: 24/7 Live Chat & Email:
License: Curaçao Gaming Authority

Ranking

Sportsbook
Casino
Bonus
Mobile Experience
Payments
Customer Support
Security
Overall

1xBet

4.4/5

Read 1xBet review

Very broad sports and league coverage
Extensive pre-match and live betting
Competitive selection of betting markets
Large selection of payment methods

Bet €10 – get €40 in Free Bets

Ad | 18+ | Play responsibly | Offers may vary by location

Claim bonus

1xBet is one of the more feature-heavy betting sites we have reviewed at Oddsator. The sportsbook covers an unusually broad range of sports and markets, while the same account also gives access to casino games, live casino, esports and several additional betting products. During our review, we found plenty to like – particularly the depth of the sportsbook – although the sheer amount of content can make 1xBet feel busier than some simpler alternatives.

Quick facts

Established: 2007
License: CGA
Company: Caecus N.V.
Sports betting: Yes
Live betting: Yes
Live streaming: Yes
Casino: Yes
Poker: Yes
Sports welcome offer: Bet €10 – get €40 in free bets
Casino welcome offer: 100% up to €1,500 + 150 free spins
Mobile betting: Browser, iOS and Android
Cash Out: Yes
Bet Builder: Yes
Crypto payments: Yes
Live chat: Yes
Payment methods: Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay, Perfect Money, Jeton, SticPay, Skrill, Neteller, Rapid Transfer, Tether, TRON, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Dogecoin, Bitcoin Cash, Dash, Monero, Zcash, USD Coin, DAI, Flexepin, Binance, Payz, Siru Mobile, Ripple, Cardano, VCreditos, Pay4Fun, MuchBetter, Pix, Itau, Caixa, Banco do Brasil, Bradesco
Payment fees: No
Responsible gambling: Deposit limits, reality checks, transaction history, self-exklusion, time-out

Ranking

Sportsbook
Odds & markets
Live betting
Bonuses
Casino
Payments
Mobile experience
Security & responsible gambling
Customer support
Overall

Prediction Betting

David Enblom

Casino & Betting Expert

55 articles · Online casino, Online bookmakers

Prediction Betting

David Enblom

Casino & Betting Expert

55 articles · Online casino, Online bookmakers

Published 28 October 2026Updated 5 November 2026

BC.Game

4.5/5

Read BC.Game review

Extensive casino game selection
Excellent cryptocurrency variety
Exclusive provably fair games
24/7 live chat support

220% Deposit Rakeback

Ad | 18+ | Play responsibly | Offers may vary by location

Claim bonus

Quick facts

Casino: BC.Game
Established: 2017
Licensing: Curaçao; current status should be checked
Casino games: Over 10,000 reported
Sportsbook: Yes
Live betting: Yes
Welcome bonus: Up to 220,000 BCD advertised
Cryptocurrencies: Over 100 supported historically
Live casino: Yes
VIP programme: Bronze to Diamond
Mobile compatibility: iOS and Android browsers
Customer support: 24/7 live chat and email

Ranking

Casino Games & Software
Sports Betting
Bonuses & Promotions
Payment Methods & Withdrawals
Mobile Experience
VIP Programme
Security & Fairness
Customer Support
Overall Rating

Stake

4.8/5

Read Stake review

Supports more than 20 cryptocurrencies
Huge sportsbook
Modern and responsive interface
Strong VIP rewards program

200% up to €1000

Ad | 18+ | Play responsibly | Offers may vary by location

Get bonus

Stake has become one of the world's most popular crypto gambling platforms, combining a comprehensive sportsbook, online casino, and its exclusive Stake Originals under one account.

Quick facts

Founded: 2017
Company: Medium Rare N.V.
Casino: Yes
Sportsbook: Yes
Stake Originals: Yes
Live Casino: Yes
Cryptocurrencies: 20+
Mobile: Web and App
VIP Program: Yes
Support: 24/7 Live Chat & Email:
License: Curaçao Gaming Authority

Ranking

Sportsbook
Casino
Bonus
Mobile Experience
Payments
Customer Support
Security
Overall

1xBet

4.4/5

Read 1xBet review

Very broad sports and league coverage
Extensive pre-match and live betting
Competitive selection of betting markets
Large selection of payment methods

Bet €10 – get €40 in Free Bets

Ad | 18+ | Play responsibly | Offers may vary by location

Claim bonus

Quick facts

Established: 2007
License: CGA
Company: Caecus N.V.
Sports betting: Yes
Live betting: Yes
Live streaming: Yes
Casino: Yes
Poker: Yes
Sports welcome offer: Bet €10 – get €40 in free bets
Casino welcome offer: 100% up to €1,500 + 150 free spins
Mobile betting: Browser, iOS and Android
Cash Out: Yes
Bet Builder: Yes
Crypto payments: Yes
Live chat: Yes
Payment methods: Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay, Perfect Money, Jeton, SticPay, Skrill, Neteller, Rapid Transfer, Tether, TRON, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Dogecoin, Bitcoin Cash, Dash, Monero, Zcash, USD Coin, DAI, Flexepin, Binance, Payz, Siru Mobile, Ripple, Cardano, VCreditos, Pay4Fun, MuchBetter, Pix, Itau, Caixa, Banco do Brasil, Bradesco
Payment fees: No
Responsible gambling: Deposit limits, reality checks, transaction history, self-exklusion, time-out

Ranking

Sportsbook
Odds & markets
Live betting
Bonuses
Casino
Payments
Mobile experience
Security & responsible gambling
Customer support
Overall

Prediction Betting

David Enblom

Casino & Betting Expert

55 articles · Online casino, Online bookmakers

Feature	Prediction exchange	Traditional sportsbook
Position	Event contracts bought at a price	Stake placed at accepted odds
Pricing	Orders from market participants	Odds offered by the bookmaker
Other side	Another participant, potentially a market maker	The bookmaker
Return	Determined by contract terms and entry price	Determined by stake and accepted odds
Early exit	Selling, subject to buyers and trading rules	Cash out, where offered
Costs	May include trading fees and spread	Bookmaker margin is generally reflected in odds

Platform	Prediction betting options	How it works
BC.Game	Prediction Center covering sports and real-world events	Choose an available outcome and place a wager
N1Bet	Dedicated prediction betting section	Bet on event outcomes at odds offered by the platform
Stake	Prediction betting on politics, entertainment and world events	Place bets through Stake Sportsbook
1xBet	Political betting markets alongside sports betting	Select an outcome and place a bet at the offered odds
22Bet	Politics betting alongside its sportsbook markets	Place bets on available events at the offered odds
Kalshi	Exchange trading in event contracts	Buy and sell contracts through an order book
Polymarket	Exchange trading in event outcomes	Trade outcome positions with other participants

Feature	Prediction exchange	Traditional sportsbook
Position	Event contracts bought at a price	Stake placed at accepted odds
Pricing	Orders from market participants	Odds offered by the bookmaker
Other side	Another participant, potentially a market maker	The bookmaker
Return	Determined by contract terms and entry price	Determined by stake and accepted odds
Early exit	Selling, subject to buyers and trading rules	Cash out, where offered
Costs	May include trading fees and spread	Bookmaker margin is generally reflected in odds

Platform	Prediction betting options	How it works
BC.Game	Prediction Center covering sports and real-world events	Choose an available outcome and place a wager
N1Bet	Dedicated prediction betting section	Bet on event outcomes at odds offered by the platform
Stake	Prediction betting on politics, entertainment and world events	Place bets through Stake Sportsbook
1xBet	Political betting markets alongside sports betting	Select an outcome and place a bet at the offered odds
22Bet	Politics betting alongside its sportsbook markets	Place bets on available events at the offered odds
Kalshi	Exchange trading in event contracts	Buy and sell contracts through an order book
Polymarket	Exchange trading in event outcomes	Trade outcome positions with other participants

Prediction Betting

BC.Game

Quick facts

Ranking

Stake

Quick facts

Ranking

1xBet

Quick facts

Ranking

Prediction Betting

BC.Game

Quick facts

Ranking

Stake

Quick facts

Ranking

1xBet

Quick facts

Ranking

Prediction Betting

BC.Game

Quick facts

Ranking

Stake

Quick facts

Ranking

1xBet

Quick facts

Ranking

Prediction Betting

BC.Game

Quick facts

Ranking

Stake

Quick facts

Ranking

1xBet

Quick facts

Ranking

22bet

Quick facts

Ranking

Prediction Betting Explained: How Prediction Markets Work

What Is Prediction Betting?

How Do Prediction Markets Work?

Buying a position

Holding until the market resolves

Selling before settlement

Understanding Prediction Market Prices

Why prices change

The displayed price and your trading price

Can you sell when you want to?

What Can You Trade on Prediction Markets?

Sports

Politics and election markets

Weather, entertainment and unusual prediction markets

Prediction Markets vs Traditional Sports Betting

Which Betting Sites Offer Prediction Betting or Exchanges?

Kalshi and Polymarket Explained

Kalshi

Polymarket

How Accurate Are Prediction Markets?

Is Prediction Betting Legal?

United States

Great Britain

Other countries

How to Get Started with Prediction Betting

Choose a platform and check eligibility

Create and verify your account

Set a budget and add funds

Choose a market and read its rules

Place your first bet or order

Check the confirmation

Finding Value in Prediction Trading

Risks and Responsible Gambling

Losses, liquidity and settlement

Manipulation, insider information and ethics

Budget and behaviour

Making Sense of Prediction Betting