Sports betting in the United States continues to evolve. What began as traditional fixed-odds sportsbooks has gradually expanded into exchange-style products, event-based trading contracts, and prediction-style markets that sit somewhere between betting and financial forecasting. Major operators are experimenting every day with new formats, and two of the most notable examples in 2026 are FanDuel Predicts and Fanatics Markets.

Both platforms are tied to well-known sportsbook brands. Both offer event-based markets that allow users to take positions on defined sports outcomes rather than simply placing fixed wagers. And both are designed to feel slightly different from the standard sportsbook experience while still operating within licensed gaming frameworks.

Despite these similarities, they are not identical products. Differences in structure, pricing presentation, user flow, liquidity patterns, and ecosystem integration can influence which platform feels more natural depending on your trading style.

If you are deciding between FanDuel Predicts and Fanatics Markets, this comparison walks through how each works, how they handle pricing, what kinds of markets they offer, and where the practical differences matter.

Fanatics Markets vs. FanDuel Predicts Overview

At a structural level, both FanDuel Predicts and Fanatics Markets function as event-based contract platforms rather than traditional sportsbooks; they’re prediction markets. Instead of offering standard betting odds like -110 or +150, markets are typically shown in probability-style pricing or contract-style units that reflect the community-determined likelihood of an outcome.

FanDuel Predicts operates as an extension of the FanDuel sportsbook ecosystem. Users fund their accounts through the same wallet used for traditional wagers. The Predicts product focuses on clearly defined sports events, with each contract specifying settlement criteria tied to official outcomes.

Fanatics Markets operates similarly within the Fanatics Sportsbook environment. It is integrated into the broader Fanatics betting and gaming ecosystem, which includes sportsbook wagering and rewards programs. Like FanDuel Predicts, it centers on event-based markets rather than peer-to-peer exchanges.

Neither platform is a fully open exchange where users set their own odds and directly match against each other. Instead, they present tradable event positions within a structured marketplace environment. Both rely on state-based sportsbook licensing frameworks, and availability depends on a user’s physical location; currently, Fanatics Markets is available in 24 states.

Market Structure and Types of Events

FanDuel Predicts focuses mainly on sports outcomes but also includes other markets and categories. Sports markets typically revolve around whether a team will win a specific game, whether a player will reach a statistical milestone, or whether a team will advance to a particular stage of a tournament. Each contract includes clearly defined terms that specify exactly what must occur for the position to be resolved in favor of the holder.

The pricing reflects implied probability rather than traditional betting odds. For example, if a contract is priced at 0.60, that suggests a 60% implied chance of the outcome occurring. Users can enter positions at the current price and, depending on the market design, may be able to exit before final settlement if the pricing shifts in their favor.

Fanatics Markets operates similarly but sometimes frames its markets slightly differently within the sportsbook interface. The focus remains on major sporting events, including professional football, basketball, baseball, hockey, and high-profile college contests where permitted. Markets are generally tied to well-defined outcomes such as game winners, playoff advancement, or player performance thresholds.

Although the apps are definitely more sports-focused, both offer contracts in other categories as well. Fanatics has a two-phase plan, with phase one having launched in December, offering contracts related to sports, finance, politics, and economics. Phase two then widened the slate of offerings, bringing crypto, climate, stocks, pop culture, tech, and media-based contracts.

In practice, the biggest difference is not the category of events offered but the ecosystem surrounding them. FanDuel Predicts benefits from FanDuel’s long-standing sportsbook presence and existing customer base. Fanatics Markets leverages the broader Fanatics brand, which spans merchandise, loyalty programs, and sports betting.

Pricing Model and Cost Structure

Traditional sportsbooks build their margin directly into fixed odds. If two sides of a game are listed at -110, that embedded margin represents the operators’ edge. In event-based prediction markets like FanDuel Predicts and Fanatics Markets, margins work differently.

Instead of a visible “vig,” pricing typically includes a spread between entry and exit values. When you enter a position, you are accepting the current market price. If you attempt to exit early, the price available may reflect supply, demand, and platform structure.

On FanDuel Predicts, the platform charges a flat 2% transaction fee on the potential payout of a peer-to-peer contract. Fanatics Markets follows a similar approach. They also charge a small fee on transactions and trading conducted on their platform. This approach is common in the prediction market space and is a reasonable way for the platform to profit without rigging the system against users.

If a user deposits $100 and enters multiple contracts over the course of a weekend, the total cost will depend on how many times they open and close positions and the percentage taken on each trade. In both systems, active trading can increase effective cost exposure compared to simply entering a position and holding until resolution.

Liquidity and Market Depth

Liquidity determines how smoothly a user can enter or exit a position without significantly moving the price. In traditional sportsbooks, liquidity is less visible because the operator accepts bets directly. In event-style markets, liquidity becomes more noticeable when prices fluctuate or when exit opportunities vary.

FanDuel Predicts benefits from FanDuel’s large sportsbook user base. During major events such as NFL playoff games or high-profile NBA matchups, participation tends to be higher, which can contribute to more stable pricing. When markets are active, users may find it easier to enter and exit at fair values.

Fanatics Markets, as a newer product, continues to build liquidity across its offerings. In large, nationally televised events, pricing activity tends to be stronger. In smaller markets or less popular matchups, price movement may be more noticeable. Fanatics Markets is backed by and in partnership with Crypto.com, which sets pricing for Fanatics. Crypto.com also provides the infrastructure for Fanatics Markets and is registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to operate markets.

Both platforms operate as pure peer-to-peer order books, as a traditional exchange does. Pricing is determined by how users trade, and probability fluctuates with those trades in real time. As both brands continue expanding their prediction-style offerings, liquidity depth may increase even more over time.

User Experience and Interface

FanDuel Predicts feels like an extension of FanDuel’s existing sportsbook app. Users who already have a FanDuel account do not need to create a separate login or wallet. Funds move seamlessly between sportsbook wagers and prediction-style markets. Personally, I don’t like the app’s design, but it is very intuitive and straightforward. The lack of a dark mode is something that I find frustrating, but those are both personal preferences rather than objective truths.

I still have to give FanDuel credit; the interface emphasizes clarity. Markets are listed with defined resolution terms and probability-style pricing. The layout is straightforward, with minimal “noise” for users already familiar with FanDuel’s design language. The categories are limited but concise, and they are at the top of the main page. Live events, sports, culture, commodities, and financials are the only categories listed.

Fanatics Markets integrates similarly with the Fanatics Sportsbook app. If you already use Fanatics for betting or rewards, accessing Markets feels like a natural extension rather than a separate platform.

The design is sports-centered, and navigation focuses on major events. Different sports leagues are listed at the top, with broader categories than FanDuel provides. The app’s look heavily reminds me of Kalshi; the two are extremely similar, and if you’ve used Kalshi before, jumping into Fanatic’s Markets will be a breeze.

Both platforms require identity verification and location checks consistent with state gaming regulations. For users accustomed to licensed sportsbook apps, the onboarding experience feels identical.

Deposits, Withdrawals, and Wallet Structure

FanDuel Predicts uses the same custodial wallet as the FanDuel sportsbook. Deposits can only be made through debit cards and online bank transfers, which leaves much to be desired. Withdrawals generally follow standard prediction market timelines, typically 1-2 days, depending on market activity.

Fanatics Markets also operates with a similar wallet-style, though it offers better options overall. In addition to card and online banking, Markets also offers Apple Pay and Wire Transfer options. This should be considered industry standard, with major platforms like Kalshi offering these options; unfortunately, FanDuel falls behind in this category.

Unlike crypto-based prediction platforms, neither FanDuel Predicts nor Fanatics Markets requires blockchain wallet connections. Users do not need to manage private keys or blockchain transactions. For many users, this reduces friction and simplifies the funding process.

Security and Regulatory Environment

Both FanDuel and Fanatics operate within licensed sportsbook frameworks in approved states. That means identity verification, geolocation compliance, anti-fraud monitoring, and responsible gaming tools are all part of the overall structure.

FanDuel benefits from its established presence as one of the largest sportsbook operators in the United States. Fanatics, while newer in sports betting, has rapidly expanded its licensed footprint.

For users who prefer established, state-regulated platforms, both options provide familiar guardrails. Funds are held in custodial wallets, and disputes are handled through regulated gaming channels rather than decentralized systems.

Pros and Cons in Context

FanDuel Predicts offers the advantage of brand familiarity, a mature sportsbook interface, and seamless wallet integration. It may feel slightly more established due to FanDuel’s longer tenure in U.S. sports betting, but it does lack some quality-of-life features and more detailed categories and statistics.

Fanatics Markets brings the benefit of ecosystem integration, particularly for users who engage with Fanatics’ main app. Its growth trajectory suggests expanding market share, though it is newer than FanDuel’s product. Fanatics has grown in scope more than FanDuel Predicts has, with almost twice as many categories and a more fleshed-out app.

Which Platform Makes More Sense?

If you are already an active FanDuel sportsbook user, Predicts may feel like a smoother transition into event-based markets. The integration is easy, and the interface is familiar.

If you are invested in the Fanatics ecosystem through sportsbook play, Fanatics Markets may be the more natural choice. Markets also appeals to users who are familiar with Kalshi and understand its layout.

Functionally, both platforms provide similar exposure: event-driven contracts mainly focused on sports outcomes. Differences lie more in ecosystem alignment and user preference than in the fundamental mechanics.

Final Take

FanDuel Predicts and Fanatics Markets represent the next stage of sportsbook evolution. They take the principles of probability-based trading and apply them to their traditional betting infrastructure.

The decision between them rarely comes down to dramatic structural differences. Instead, it comes down to comfort with the surrounding ecosystem, user interface preference, and which brand you already trust with your funds.

Both products aim to offer an alternative to fixed-odds wagering while remaining within state-regulated frameworks. As the prediction-style market matures in 2026, competition between major sportsbook operators is likely to refine and expand these offerings further. If you want the product tied to the longest-standing sportsbook presence, FanDuel Predicts has the edge in familiarity among users of its sportsbook. Still, Fanatics Markets has a more developed app with broader category breadth and a cleaner interface. Both apps have strong futures in the prediction market space, with even more development expected throughout 2026.