- DraftKings Predictions lets you trade yes/no event contracts on sports, finance and culture inside the DraftKings app.
- It launched in December 2025 as a broker on CME Group, then opened its own exchange, DKeX, in June 2026.
- DraftKings charges 1¢ per contract bought or sold, plus the listing exchange's fee.
- Sports contracts mainly target states where DraftKings can't offer online sports betting.
This DraftKings Predictions review covers how the product works, what it costs, where it's available and how it compares, as of October 2026. DraftKings is best known as a sportsbook, but Predictions is a separate, federally regulated product: you trade contracts against other users rather than placing bets against the house. Nothing here is advice; if the format is new to you, start with what prediction markets are.
DraftKings Predictions: how it works
DraftKings Predictions launched on December 19, 2025, run by a DraftKings subsidiary that is a CFTC-registered introducing broker and NFA member. At launch, contracts were listed on CME Group; DraftKings later added contracts from Crypto.com's exchange.
In October 2025 DraftKings bought Railbird, which holds a CFTC designated contract market (DCM) licence. On June 24, 2026 it launched DKeX, its own exchange built on that licence, inside the main DraftKings app. Each contract pays $1 if the event happens and nothing if it doesn't, and you can sell before settlement.
DraftKings Predictions at a glance
| Feature | DraftKings Predictions |
|---|---|
| What it is | Broker (introducing broker) plus its own exchange, DKeX |
| Markets | Sports, finance, entertainment and culture |
| Fees | 1¢ per contract bought or sold, plus the exchange's fee |
| Availability | Rolling state coverage; sports focused on states without legal online sportsbooks |
| Wallet | Separate Predictions balance |
| Access | DraftKings app and web |
Where DraftKings Predictions is available
DraftKings said it launched in 38 states. Sports contracts are aimed at states where online sports betting isn't legal, such as California, Florida, Georgia and Texas; where DraftKings runs a sportsbook, you'll usually see the sportsbook instead. Some states restrict non-sports markets too. Check the availability page in the app for your state, since the list changes as rules and court cases move.
DraftKings Predictions fees
Under the Predictions terms, DraftKings charges a transaction fee of 1¢ per contract each time you buy or sell, and the exchange that lists the contract charges its own fee. Holding to settlement avoids the second DraftKings fee. Use our fee calculator to compare the all-in cost with an exchange you access directly.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Familiar brand and app for sports fans | Broker fee on top of exchange fees |
| Sports contracts in states without online sportsbooks | Coverage varies by state and product |
| Own exchange (DKeX) since 2026 | Narrower range than dedicated prediction exchanges |
| Simple yes/no contracts with early exit | Sports contracts face state legal challenges |
How it compares with trading on an exchange directly
Going through a sportsbook brand trades cost and control for convenience. On an exchange such as Kalshi you see the full order book, can post resting orders that pay no taker fee, and pay only the exchange's fee. Through DraftKings you get a simpler screen and the account you already have, but you pay a broker fee on top and see a narrower set of markets. If you only place a few trades a season the difference is small; if you trade every week it adds up. The same event can also trade at different prices on different venues, so it's worth checking more than one before buying.
Getting started
You'll need a DraftKings account, identity checks, and to be located in an eligible state. Predictions keeps a separate balance from the sportsbook and casino, so you move money into it before trading. Start with small positions, read each market's resolution rules, and check the fee shown on the order screen.
Who it suits
DraftKings Predictions suits DraftKings customers, especially sports fans in states without legal online sportsbooks. If you trade economics, politics or a wide range of events, compare it with dedicated exchanges in our platform comparison and our Kalshi review, and see what's trading on the sports markets page.
Frequently asked questions
Is DraftKings Predictions the same as the DraftKings sportsbook?
No. The sportsbook takes bets against the house under state licences. Predictions lists federally regulated event contracts that you trade with other users, under the CFTC.
What is DKeX?
DKeX is DraftKings' own prediction-market exchange, launched in June 2026 on the exchange licence it acquired with Railbird.
Is DraftKings Predictions legal in my state?
It depends on the state and the product. Sports contracts are offered mainly where DraftKings doesn't run a sportsbook, and some states restrict other markets. Check the in-app availability page.