The cryptocurrency company will face Kalshi, Polymarket and others
Coinbase is preparing to bring prediction markets to the US as part of a broader push to expand its offerings beyond cryptocurrency trading. The exchange, one of the largest in the country, confirmed that it plans to introduce a platform where users can place wagers on future outcomes—ranging from political events to sports and cultural trends.
Prediction markets work by letting participants buy shares in the outcome of a specific event. For example, users might place money on whether a presidential candidate will win an election, or whether a major sporting event will end in a certain way. If their prediction turns out to be correct, they receive a payout. These types of markets have grown in popularity, particularly within crypto and decentralized platforms.
Coinbase’s move reflects its ambition to be more than a crypto exchange. Max Branzburg, the company’s Vice President of Product, told CNBC that the company aims to become a centralized hub for on-chain trading. That includes not only cryptocurrencies, but tokenized stocks, prediction markets, and potentially other digital assets. Branzburg described the goal as creating a single, on-chain venue for trading all types of assets.
The prediction market feature is expected to launch for US users within a few months, with plans for international availability pending regulatory approval in other jurisdictions.
Coinbase won’t be the only player in this space. Platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi are already active in the US, with Polymarket recently making headlines after spending over $100 million to re-enter the market. Meanwhile, DraftKings is exploring the idea of launching its own prediction platform, reportedly in talks to acquire Railbird Exchange.
Coinbase’s entry signals growing interest in combining blockchain technology with financial prediction tools, but the company will need to navigate both regulatory oversight and established competition in order to stand out.
