Prediction market platforms Kalshi and Polymarket recorded a combined $50.59 billion in trading volume during July 2026, setting a new monthly record driven by strong interest in FIFA World Cup betting markets and sports contracts.
Investment firm Bernstein analysts forecast the 2026 FIFA World Cup, kicking off in North America, will generate between $5-10 billion in consumer sports betting and prediction market trading volume, calling it a 'watershed moment' for the prediction markets sector.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which kicks off in Mexico City with an expanded 48-team format, is projected to generate more than $50 billion in global wagers, making it the biggest betting event of all time and the first major test of the U.S. sports-wagering market at full scale.
Restaurants across the 11 U.S. cities hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup are implementing automatic 20% gratuities during the tournament (June 11-July 19) to address concerns that international visitors unfamiliar with American tipping customs may not leave appropriate tips.
Bitget has announced two major initiatives in June 2026: a World Cup prediction market partnership with Polymarket through Bitget Wallet reaching 90 million users, and its annual Anti-Scam Month security campaign aimed at combating $442 billion in annual multi-asset fraud losses.
CFTC Chairman Michael Selig faced intense bipartisan questioning from House lawmakers over the agency's approach to prediction markets, sports betting contracts, and oversight of crypto derivatives platform Hyperliquid amid staffing concerns.
