Polymarket and Kalshi Hit $2 Billion in World Cup Prediction Market Bets Ahead of June 11 Kickoff

According to Bitcoin.com News, on June 8, Polymarket and Kalshi's World Cup prediction markets reached nearly $2 billion in trading volume ahead of the tournament's June 11 kickoff with Mexico vs. South Africa. Spain leads as the favorite on both platforms with 16% odds of winning, followed by France at close to 16%, with Portugal and England trailing.

A SEON survey of 588 U.S. adults found that 19% would use prediction markets to bet during the tournament, ranking behind traditional sportsbooks at 29% but outpacing crypto betting platforms and offshore options. The surge in user activity has drawn regulatory scrutiny, with Polymarket and Kalshi facing legal challenges in Minnesota, New Mexico, and Nevada as state gambling regulators seek to classify the platforms under local gambling laws.