Polymarket introduced deposit limits and self-exclusion options Wednesday, adding the kinds of responsible gaming safeguards commonly found on licensed sportsbooks to its prediction market platform.
“People should be able to set their own limits, step away on their own terms, and know what the rules are,” Malea Otranto, Polymarket’s global head of trust and safety, said in a statement. “That is what launched today, and it is the floor, not the ceiling. We’re excited to continue to build out from here.”
In addition to new tools on the platform, Polymarket formed a partnership with Birches Health to provide mental health treatment for customers experiencing compulsive financial trading behaviors.
Responsible trading tools have been a focus for prediction markets offering sports event contracts. Kalshi started the trend when it joined the National Council on Problem Gambling in May.
Polymarket’s rollout comes a week after New York sued the exchange, accusing it of running an illegal gambling operation, which prompted a countersuit hours later.
How the new tools work
Many of the new tools that Polymarket has unveiled can be found on legal sports betting platforms.
Polymarket customers can self-exclude for 30 days, one year or a lifetime. Users can also set daily, weekly or monthly deposit limits across all funding methods. Lowering a limit takes effect immediately, while raising or removing one requires a cooling-off period.
Polymarket also launched a Trust & Safety Center, a centralized resource where customers can learn more about protections, rules and safeguards. The website lists prohibited trading scenarios involving inside information, and uses sports examples to illustrate them.
The Birches Health partnership spans all 50 states to provide virtual care in the form of clinical assessments, individualized recovery plans and ongoing treatment.
“Right now, the number-one priority is just getting this out, giving it into the hands of the millions of people that leverage and use us, and trust us to protect them and keep them safe,” Otranto told CNN.
The press release also noted that Polymarket is developing educational materials to help customers understand what tools are available. A co-branded Trading Responsibly guide is being created, which includes a four-question self-check to help users identify when it might be time to seek additional support.
Prediction markets lean into responsible tools
Polymarket joins a growing list of prediction markets adding consumer protections.
Kalshi became the first prediction market to join the NCPG, committing $2 million as part of the deal and pledging to offer trading breaks, self-limits, self-exclusion and mental health resources. The NCPG created a Financial Services & Trading membership category to accommodate Kalshi.
The partnership drew backlash, with the Ohio Casino Control Commission, Michigan Gaming Control Board and Nevada Council on Problem Gambling all cutting ties with the NCPG. Earlier this week, Board President Derek Longmeier announced the resignation of Executive Director Heather Maurer, effective Oct. 16.
Most prediction markets allow users to trade at 18. Olivia Chalos, Polymarket’s deputy chief legal officer, told CNN the protections are especially important for younger users who are new to financial markets.
“You’re seeing a user base that did not previously participate in financial markets coming in, and doing this at scale,” Chalos said. “With that, there are measures that need to be in place, because you’re recognizing an audience that is participating in markets for the first time.”
Novig also adopted similar responsible trading tools and is the only prediction market to set its minimum age at 21, matching the legal sports betting age in most states.
Mounting regulatory pressure
Kalshi and Polymarket, federally regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, have faced several legal challenges since both started offering sports event contracts in 2025.
Over the last several months, Kalshi has been barred in seven states, with the latest being Ohio and Tennessee after losing a Sixth Circuit decision last week. Kalshi must also geofence around three tribal reservations in California after losing a federal appeals court ruling.
Polymarket is fighting New York’s lawsuit and is also unable to provide sports contracts in Michigan in a case that’s been consolidated with Robinhood.
States have been able to enforce gambling laws against prediction markets in the vast majority of cases. Kalshi is holding onto a favorable Third Circuit ruling in New Jersey, which has petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case.
