Financial and Business News

CFTC Oversight Sees DraftKings Launch Prediction Markets Through CME Group

Friday, 19/12/2025 | 16:35 GMT by Tareq Sikder
  • The firm offers app and web access under US federal oversight in 38 states.
  • Kalshi and Polymarket $7.4B, Robinhood 2.5B contracts traded in October; sports lead amid regulatory attention.
Prediction Markets

DraftKings, which is listed on Nasdaq, announced the launch of DraftKings Predictions. The move marks the company’s entry into prediction markets. The product operates under the oversight of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

At launch, DraftKings Predictions will connect to the CME Group. The company said this will provide access to a wide range of contracts, including economic indicators, global benchmarks, and sports events. The platform is also expected to integrate Railbird Technologies and its exchange business in the future, following DraftKings’ recent acquisition.

DraftKings App Offers Sports, Finance Markets

Corey Gottlieb, Chief Product Officer of DraftKings
Corey Gottlieb, Chief Product Officer of DraftKings, Source: LinkedIn

The product is offered as a standalone mobile app and web platform. It allows eligible users to trade on real-world outcomes. Initially, markets include sports and finance, with plans to expand into entertainment and culture over time.

Corey Gottlieb, Chief Product Officer of DraftKings, described the launch as a “significant milestone.” He added that the company aims to deliver an experience reflecting customer interest and real-time activity. He also referenced partnerships with ESPN and NBCUniversal.

The business operates through a wholly owned subsidiary registered with the CFTC as an Introducing Broker. The unit is also a member of the National Futures Association. Event contracts will be available in 38 states, including sports contracts in states where traditional sports betting is restricted, such as California, Florida, Georgia, and Texas.

CFTC-Registered Event Trading Goes Live Nationwide

DraftKings said it has applied its responsible gaming framework to event contracts through a Responsible Trading program. The program emphasizes education and participation controls. Users can set limits, take breaks, or self-exclude. Educational materials are available within the app and on the DraftKings website.

DraftKings Predictions is now available to eligible U.S. residents. The company said the app will appear in major app stores as the rollout continues over the next few days.

Prediction Markets See Record Growth, Challenges

The launch of DraftKings Predictions comes as the broader prediction market sector is experiencing significant growth. Platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket reported over $7.4 billion in trades in October, a record for the sector.

Activity is increasingly dominated by sports contracts, surpassing political and economic predictions. Robinhood also reported rising engagement, with 2.5 billion contracts traded in October. The expansion has drawn attention from regulators, including Romania, which blocked Polymarket over gambling concerns.

DraftKings, which is listed on Nasdaq, announced the launch of DraftKings Predictions. The move marks the company’s entry into prediction markets. The product operates under the oversight of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

At launch, DraftKings Predictions will connect to the CME Group. The company said this will provide access to a wide range of contracts, including economic indicators, global benchmarks, and sports events. The platform is also expected to integrate Railbird Technologies and its exchange business in the future, following DraftKings’ recent acquisition.

DraftKings App Offers Sports, Finance Markets

Corey Gottlieb, Chief Product Officer of DraftKings
Corey Gottlieb, Chief Product Officer of DraftKings, Source: LinkedIn

The product is offered as a standalone mobile app and web platform. It allows eligible users to trade on real-world outcomes. Initially, markets include sports and finance, with plans to expand into entertainment and culture over time.

Corey Gottlieb, Chief Product Officer of DraftKings, described the launch as a “significant milestone.” He added that the company aims to deliver an experience reflecting customer interest and real-time activity. He also referenced partnerships with ESPN and NBCUniversal.

The business operates through a wholly owned subsidiary registered with the CFTC as an Introducing Broker. The unit is also a member of the National Futures Association. Event contracts will be available in 38 states, including sports contracts in states where traditional sports betting is restricted, such as California, Florida, Georgia, and Texas.

CFTC-Registered Event Trading Goes Live Nationwide

DraftKings said it has applied its responsible gaming framework to event contracts through a Responsible Trading program. The program emphasizes education and participation controls. Users can set limits, take breaks, or self-exclude. Educational materials are available within the app and on the DraftKings website.

DraftKings Predictions is now available to eligible U.S. residents. The company said the app will appear in major app stores as the rollout continues over the next few days.

Prediction Markets See Record Growth, Challenges

The launch of DraftKings Predictions comes as the broader prediction market sector is experiencing significant growth. Platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket reported over $7.4 billion in trades in October, a record for the sector.

Activity is increasingly dominated by sports contracts, surpassing political and economic predictions. Robinhood also reported rising engagement, with 2.5 billion contracts traded in October. The expansion has drawn attention from regulators, including Romania, which blocked Polymarket over gambling concerns.

Topics
prediction markets
CFTC
DraftKings
About the Author: Tareq Sikder
Tareq Sikder
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A Forex technical analyst and writer who has been engaged in financial writing for 12 years.

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