How we evaluate prediction market platforms
Our methodology, and why you should care about it.
Every platform on InsidePredictions is evaluated using the same methodology. We don't accept payment for rankings. We don't adjust scores based on affiliate relationships. We trade on these platforms with our own money and document what we find.
Ben L.Founder & CEO
Robert C.Founder & CMOThree Principles Behind Every Review
Independence
Our rankings are determined by editorial assessment, not commission rates. When a platform offers a higher affiliate commission, that doesn't improve their score. When a platform declines to partner with us, we still review them. Some of our highest-rated platforms have no affiliate relationship with us at all.
Every review includes a substantive 'Limitations' section. If a platform has no real drawbacks, we haven't tested it thoroughly enough.
Real-Money Testing
Every platform we recommend has been tested with real deposits, real trades, and real withdrawals. We don't evaluate platforms from screenshots or marketing materials. We create accounts, complete KYC, fund wallets, execute trades across multiple market categories, and withdraw funds — documenting the entire experience with dates and results.
Testing dates and deposit amounts are recorded for every platform review. We note exactly when we tested and what we found.
Transparency
Our evaluation criteria, scoring weights, and update schedule are published on this page. When platforms change their fee structures, regulatory status, or product features, we update reviews within one business day for material changes. Every review carries a 'Last Verified' date so you know exactly how current our data is.
We maintain a public change log at the bottom of this page showing every significant review update, what changed, and why.
What We Evaluate
Six criteria, weighted by impact on your trading experience. Each criterion is scored independently — a platform can excel in one area and fall short in another.
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Our Testing Process
Every platform review follows the same protocol. Here's exactly what happens from account creation to published review.
Account Creation & KYC
We create a real account using standard personal information. No press accounts, no VIP access, no special treatment from the platform. We time the KYC verification process and note any friction points. If a platform requires crypto wallet setup, we document that process separately.
Tracked: time to approval, documents required, UX frictionDeposit Testing
We deposit real funds using the most common methods available on the platform. For US platforms, that typically means bank transfer and debit card. For crypto-native platforms, USDC via supported on-ramps. We record processing times, fees charged, and minimum deposit requirements.
Minimum $500+ deposited per platformMarket Navigation & Trading
We trade across at least three market categories per platform — sports, politics, and one additional available category. We execute both market and limit orders, test buying and selling positions, and record spreads at time of execution. We test during both peak and off-peak hours.
10+ trades per platform across 3+ categoriesPosition Management
We hold positions through resolution where possible, testing the settlement process. We also test early exits to evaluate exit liquidity and spread cost. We track portfolio management tools, P&L reporting accuracy, and notification systems.
Settlement accuracy, P&L clarity, exit spreads recordedWithdrawal Testing
We withdraw funds using available methods and time the process from request to receipt. We test both small and larger withdrawals to check if thresholds trigger additional verification. We document any security holds that delay access to funds.
Every withdrawal timed: request to receiptDocumentation & Dual Review
All testing data is compiled into a standardized platform intelligence document covering regulatory status, fee structures, withdrawal mechanics, market depth, and competitive positioning. A second reviewer with 20+ years of iGaming operations experience validates all findings before publication.
85+ data points documented per platformTesting is conducted from US-based accounts unless otherwise noted. International platform availability is verified separately. Testing dates are published in every review.
Understanding Our Scores
Every platform receives a weighted score out of 100 based on the six criteria above. Here's what the numbers mean.
Exceptional
Top-tier platforms with strong regulatory standing, competitive fees, deep liquidity, and polished user experience. Recommended without hesitation for their target audience.
Strong
Solid platforms with clear strengths and manageable limitations. Good for specific use cases. Minor areas for improvement don't undermine the core experience.
Adequate
Functional platforms with notable trade-offs. We explain where they fall short and who might still find them useful. Recommended for specific situations only.
Not Recommended
Significant concerns in one or more critical areas. We explain why in detail and suggest alternatives. These reviews stay published for transparency.
Scores are editorial assessments, not algorithms. While the criteria and weights provide structure, the final score reflects our judgment as experienced traders and industry professionals. Two platforms can score identically and still be better suited for different audiences — that's why every review includes a 'Best For' section that goes beyond the number.
Meet the Evaluation Team
Our platform reviews are produced by industry professionals with decades of combined experience in gambling operations, financial regulation, and prediction market trading.
Founder & CMO
- JD, LLM in Intellectual Property
- Former professional poker player (WSOP appearances)
- Crypto market participant since 2012
- 10+ years building content operations across legal, crypto, and gambling
- Active prediction market trader on Kalshi and Polymarket
Legal training meets poker bankroll management. 10 years of content marketing scaled to millions of pageviews. Runs the editorial side, turning platform research and live market data into the answers traders actually search for.
Founder & CEO
- 20+ years in iGaming and casino operations
- Former compliance lead for regulated gaming platforms
- Operational experience across multiple jurisdictions
- Platform evaluation from the operator's perspective
Former gaming executive, multiple-time founder, and public and private market investor. Brings the operator perspective most sites can't: why platforms make the decisions they do, and what that means for you.
We don't accept guest reviews or allow platform representatives to influence content.
Affiliate Relationships & Editorial Independence
How we make money
InsidePredictions earns revenue through affiliate partnerships with some of the platforms we review. When you click a link to a platform and create an account, we may receive a commission. This is how we fund the testing, research, and ongoing updates that make this site possible.
What this means for reviews
Affiliate relationships do not influence scores, rankings, or recommendations. Our evaluation criteria and weights are published on this page — they don't change based on which platforms pay us. Several platforms we review have no affiliate relationship with us at all. We review them because our readers need comprehensive coverage, not because we profit from recommending them.
What we won't do
- Accept payment for higher rankings or scores
- Remove or soften criticism at a platform's request
- Recommend platforms we haven't personally tested
- Publish reviews without substantive limitations sections
- Suppress negative findings to protect an affiliate relationship
Our Correction Policy
When we get something wrong, we fix it and say so. Factual errors are corrected within 24 hours of identification. Material corrections include a note explaining what changed and why. We don't silently edit reviews — corrections are transparent.
Disclosure
Every page containing affiliate links carries a disclosure statement above the first link, in compliance with FTC guidelines. You'll always know when a link is an affiliate link.
How We Keep Reviews Current
What Triggers an Immediate Update
Scheduled review cadence
Every published platform review is re-verified monthly. This includes confirming fee structures, regulatory status, withdrawal methods, and active market counts against current platform data. Full re-testing with new deposits, trades, and withdrawals is conducted quarterly for all actively reviewed platforms.
Recent Updates
Older updates archived. Last full review cycle: February 2026.
Common Questions About Our Process
Ready to Find the Right Platform?
Explore our platform reviews to find the prediction market that fits your trading goals and location.
Kalshi
Polymarket
FanDuel Predicts
OG by Crypto.com