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21 May 2026, 15:09
FIFA World Cup 2026 Betting Guide: Odds, Best Markets and How to Bet
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the biggest tournament in football history. FIFA expanded the competition from 32 to 48 teams, increased the total number of matches to 104, and spread the event across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The scale alone changes how people bet on the tournament. According to FIFA official website , the tournament opens on June 11, 2026 and runs until July 19, 2026. It will feature 48 national teams across 16 host cities in North America. More matches create more betting opportunities. Group winners, top scorers, player props, corners, cards, live betting, and outright winner markets will dominate sportsbooks for more than a month. Crypto sportsbooks are expected to see especially high activity during the tournament because they offer faster deposits, quicker withdrawals, broader international access, and fewer onboarding restrictions compared to traditional bookmakers. Platforms like Dexsport have already started positioning themselves around World Cup betting with crypto support, no-KYC access, live betting, and international football coverage. This guide covers the key details of the FIFA World Cup 2026, how the tournament format works, how betting odds function, the most popular betting markets, and the best sportsbooks to use. FIFA World Cup 2026 Key Details Category Details Tournament FIFA World Cup 2026 Dates June 11 – July 19, 2026 Hosts USA, Canada, Mexico Teams 48 Total Matches 104 Final Venue MetLife Stadium, New Jersey Opening Match Mexico City Tournament Format 12 groups of 4 teams Knockout Stage Round of 32 onward The United States hosts the majority of matches, while Canada and Mexico also stage games throughout the tournament. Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca becomes the first stadium in history to host matches across three different World Cups. FIFA World Cup 2026 Dates to Add to Your Calendar Event Date Opening Match June 11, 2026 Group Stage Begins June 11, 2026 Round of 32 Begins Late June 2026 Quarterfinals July 2026 Semifinals Mid July 2026 Final July 19, 2026 The tournament lasts 39 days, longer than previous editions due to the expanded format. FIFA World Cup 2026 Format The 2026 World Cup introduces a completely new structure. 48-Team Expansion The tournament now includes: 12 groups of four teams Top two teams from each group advance Eight best third-place teams also qualify A new Round of 32 replaces the old Round of 16 opening knockout stage That means more matches, more underdogs, and more betting volume across the entire competition. Qualification Breakdown FIFA expanded qualification slots across all confederations: Confederation Slots UEFA (Europe) 16 CAF (Africa) 9 AFC (Asia) 8 CONMEBOL (South America) 6 CONCACAF 6 OFC 1 Intercontinental Playoffs 2 The new structure allowed more nations to qualify for the tournament, including several debutants. FIFA World Cup 2026 Draw and Groups The official draw divided teams into 12 groups labeled A through L. The expanded structure changes betting dynamics significantly because third-place teams can still advance. That often creates: More cautious football late in the group stage Increased importance of goal difference Better opportunities in live betting markets Some early headline group-stage fixtures include: Brazil vs Morocco England vs Croatia France vs Senegal Argentina vs Algeria Spain vs Cabo Verde Favorites entering the tournament include: Team Typical Early Odds France +500 Spain +500 England +700 Brazil +800 Argentina +900 How to Bet on FIFA World Cup 2026 1. Choose a Sportsbook World Cup bettors typically choose between: Traditional sportsbooks such as Bet365, BetMGM, or BetOnline Crypto sportsbooks such as Dexsport, Cloudbet, or BC Game Crypto sportsbooks have become increasingly popular because they support аaster payouts, global access, and no-KYC betting on some platforms. 2. Create an Account Traditional sportsbooks usually require identity verification. Crypto sportsbooks like Dexsport allow players to start betting with just an email or wallet connection, depending on jurisdiction and account limits. 3. Deposit Funds Most crypto sportsbooks support Bitcoin (BTC), stablecoins, Ethereum (ETH), TRX, Litecoin, or Solana. Stablecoins like USDT are especially popular during football tournaments because they avoid volatility during long betting sessions. 4. Select a Market World Cup betting includes: Match winners Group winners Tournament winner Correct score Over/under goals Cards and corners Top scorer Live betting 5. Place the Bet After selecting odds and stake amount, the sportsbook calculates the potential payout automatically. Best FIFA World Cup 2026 Betting Sites 1. Dexsport Dexsport is one of the strongest crypto-first sportsbooks for World Cup betting in 2026. Why bettors use Dexsport: No-KYC onboarding 38+ supported cryptocurrencies Fast crypto withdrawals Live football betting Casino and sportsbook in one platform Stablecoin cashback promotions Football-focused betting markets Licensed sportsbook infrastructure The platform is particularly attractive for international users who want faster access to betting markets without lengthy verification procedures. Dexsport also supports live betting throughout football matches, which becomes especially important during knockout-stage games where odds shift rapidly. 2. Cloudbet Cloudbet remains one of the oldest Bitcoin sportsbooks in the industry and offers strong football coverage with high betting limits. 3. BetOnline BetOnline combines traditional sportsbook features with crypto payment support. It appeals to bettors who want a more conventional sportsbook interface. 4. BC Game BC Game focuses heavily on crypto gambling and supports a broad range of football betting markets during major tournaments. 5. Mega Dice Mega Dice targets crypto-native users and supports fast deposits and mobile-first betting. FIFA World Cup 2026 Betting Markets Outright Winner Bet on the team that wins the tournament. Example: France to win World Cup 2026 These bets stay open throughout the tournament. Match Winner The most common market. Example: Brazil to beat Morocco Over/Under Goals Bet on the total number of goals. Example: Over 2.5 goals Both Teams to Score A simple yes/no market. Example: England vs Croatia — Both Teams To Score: Yes Correct Score Predict the exact final score. Higher risk, larger payouts. Group Winner Predict which team finishes first in a group. These markets became more popular after the format expansion because group strategy matters more now. Golden Boot Bet on the tournament’s top scorer. Leading contenders currently include: Player Typical Odds Kylian Mbappe 5/1 Harry Kane 7/1 Lionel Messi 12/1 Erling Haaland 14/1 Lamine Yamal 14/1 Live Betting Live betting allows wagers during matches. Common live markets include: Next goal scorer Next team to score Corners Cards Updated match winner odds This becomes one of the highest-volume betting formats during the World Cup. How to Read Betting Value Good bettors compare: Team form Injuries Group difficulty Schedule congestion Squad depth Live momentum Expanded tournaments often create strong value opportunities in group winners, third-place qualification, and underdog progression bets. Tips for Betting on FIFA World Cup 2026 Focus on Squad Depth The tournament schedule is long and physically demanding. Deep squads matter more than star players alone. Watch Group Motivation Third-place qualification changes incentives dramatically. Some teams only need draws late in the group stage. Use Live Betting Carefully Live betting creates opportunities, but odds move extremely fast during football matches. Compare Odds Across Sportsbooks Small differences matter over time. A shift from 2.00 to 2.15 odds significantly impacts long-term returns. Avoid Emotional Betting National loyalty often creates poor betting decisions during major tournaments. Final Thoughts FIFA World Cup 2026 will generate one of the largest betting events in sports history. The move to 48 teams and 104 matches creates far more betting opportunities than previous tournaments. Crypto sportsbooks such as Dexsport are expected to capture a growing share of the market because they offer faster transactions, broader international access, and fewer restrictions compared to traditional bookmakers. For casual bettors, understanding odds and basic markets is enough to enjoy the tournament. More advanced players will likely focus on group-stage dynamics, live betting volatility, and long-term outright value as the competition progresses. Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
21 May 2026, 15:02
Trump Just Handed Ripple (XRP) the Keys. Here’s What Happened
A new executive order from the White House is drawing significant interest across the digital asset space. Section 4 of the order addresses something the crypto industry has pursued for years: direct access to Federal Reserve payment accounts . For companies like Ripple, the order carries real weight, and the timing could not be more strategic. The directive requests the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to complete the rules outlined in Section 3 of the order. It also requests a comprehensive evaluation of the legal, regulatory, and policy framework governing access to Reserve Bank payment accounts and payment services. The evaluation covers uninsured depository institutions, non-bank financial companies, digital asset firms, and those functioning as direct participants in real-time payment networks. The Federal Reserve Board must submit a full report to the President within 120 days. The Fed Gets Its Instructions Crypto commentator BankXRP (@BankXRP) posted about the order, stating the Fed is now “required to create transparent application procedures for digital asset firms seeking direct access to Federal Reserve payment accounts.” He also highlighted the 90-day timeline. Digital asset firms have historically faced an opaque and slow process when seeking Fed master accounts. A mandatory response window changes that dynamic entirely. TRUMP JUST HANDED @Ripple THE KEYS The Fed is now REQUIRED to create transparent application procedures for digital asset firms seeking DIRECT ACCESS to Federal Reserve payment accountsand must give a decision within 90 DAYS of application Ripple applied for a Fed master… https://t.co/FHbBBZnOok pic.twitter.com/vWUO4ocFbw — 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗸XRP (@BankXRP) May 20, 2026 Ripple’s Regulatory Position Ripple is uniquely positioned to benefit. In December 2025, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency granted Ripple conditional approval to establish Ripple National Trust Bank, a federally supervised trust bank to manage RLUSD reserves under both OCC and New York Department of Financial Services supervision. The OCC’s conditional approval was granted with the explicit understanding that Ripple National Trust Bank will apply for membership in a Federal Reserve Bank. The trust bank charter is not a separate pursuit from the Fed master account. Only federally chartered institutions can apply directly to the Fed for a master account, and Ripple now qualifies. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 A Meaningful Shift for XRP Holders Ripple has an active application for a Federal Reserve master account . Approval would grant direct access to the Fed’s payment infrastructure, removing the need for intermediary banking relationships to reduce costs while increasing settlement speed. BankXRP emphasized this move, stating that the government has now mandated a response to Ripple’s application. XRP functions as a bridge currency within Ripple’s payment network. A Fed master account approval strengthens institutional adoption of that infrastructure, which directly supports XRP’s utility and demand. RLUSD has already surpassed a $1 billion market cap, and bigger institutional trust in Ripple’s regulated structure accelerates that growth path. The 120-day reporting window is now running, and the industry is watching. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on X , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post Trump Just Handed Ripple (XRP) the Keys. Here’s What Happened appeared first on Times Tabloid .
21 May 2026, 15:01
How to Sports Bet with Crypto: Terms, Risks, and Best Sites
Crypto sports betting moved from a niche market into a major segment of online gambling. Since the U.S. sports betting market opened after the 2018 PASPA repeal, legal betting volume has surpassed $668 billion , while crypto sportsbooks expanded alongside it with faster payments, stablecoin support, and global access. The appeal is straightforward, as betting with crypto allows for faster deposits and withdrawals, fewer banking restrictions, and better privacy compared to traditional betting platforms. At the same time, crypto betting introduces new risks. Wallet security, fake casinos, unclear licensing, withdrawal restrictions, and bonus traps remain common problems across the industry. This guide explains how crypto sports betting works, key betting terms beginners should know, the main risks involved, and the best crypto sportsbooks that currently offer the most reliable experience. What Is Crypto Sports Betting? Crypto sports betting means placing wagers using cryptocurrencies instead of traditional banking methods. Instead of depositing with a debit card or bank transfer, users fund accounts with assets like: Bitcoin (BTC) Tether (USDT) Ethereum (ETH) TRON (TRX) Solana (SOL) Most crypto sportsbooks now support both pre-match and live betting across football, basketball, MMA, esports, tennis, and major international tournaments like FIFA World Cup 2026. The process usually works like this: Create an account or connect a crypto wallet Deposit cryptocurrency Convert funds into betting balance automatically Place bets Withdraw winnings back to a wallet Unlike traditional sportsbooks, many crypto-native platforms allow betting without extensive identity verification. Common Crypto Sports Betting Terms Odds Odds represent the probability of an event and determine your payout. Example: Decimal odds: 2.00 A $100 bet returns $200 total if successful Crypto sportsbooks typically use: decimal odds American odds fractional odds Decimal is the easiest format for beginners. Bankroll Your bankroll is the amount of money allocated specifically for betting. A common beginner mistake is betting too much on a single event. Most experienced bettors use fixed percentages of their bankroll per wager. Live Betting Live betting allows users to place bets while the match is happening. Crypto sportsbooks became popular partly because blockchain payments reduce deposit delays during live events. Cash Out Cash Out lets bettors settle a wager before the event ends. Example: Your team leads 1:0 in the 75th minute You can lock profit early instead of waiting for the final whistle Many modern sportsbooks now include live Cash Out functionality. Stablecoins Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies pegged to fiat currencies. The most common example is USDT. Many bettors prefer stablecoins because Bitcoin volatility can affect bankroll value during tournaments. No-KYC Betting KYC means “Know Your Customer.” Traditional sportsbooks require identity verification using passports or proof of address. No-KYC sportsbooks reduce or eliminate those requirements. This appeals to users seeking: privacy faster onboarding fewer withdrawal delays However, not every “no-KYC” platform is trustworthy. Main Risks of Crypto Sports Betting Fake or Unlicensed Sportsbooks The biggest risk is platform quality. Some operators advertise anonymous betting but delay withdrawals or disappear entirely. Before depositing, check: licensing information public reviews withdrawal reputation blockchain transparency audit reports Scam gambling platforms remain a major issue in crypto betting. Withdrawal Restrictions Some sportsbooks allow anonymous deposits but require KYC during withdrawals. This is one of the most common complaints in crypto gambling. Always review withdrawal termsб verification policies, and bonus conditions before depositing. Volatility Bitcoin price swings can change bankroll value quickly. Example: You win 0.01 BTC BTC drops 12% before withdrawal Your actual profit shrinks Stablecoins like USDT reduce this risk significantly. Bonus Traps Large welcome bonuses often come with aggressive wagering requirements. Some platforms advertise huge rewards that are difficult to withdraw in practice. Check: rollover requirements withdrawal limits game restrictions expiration dates Security Risks Crypto bettors are frequent phishing targets, especially during major sporting events. Basic protection includes: using hardware wallets when possible enabling two-factor authentication avoiding fake sportsbook apps never sharing seed phrases How Blockchain Improves Betting Transparency Traditional sportsbooks operate as closed systems. Blockchain-based betting platforms introduced concepts like: on-chain transaction tracking public betting records provably fair systems transparent payout mechanisms Provably fair systems allow users to independently verify outcomes using cryptographic methods instead of relying entirely on operator trust. This became one of the main differentiators for crypto-native sportsbooks. Best Crypto Sports Betting Sites for Beginners 1. Dexsport Dexsport is one of the strongest beginner-friendly crypto sportsbooks currently available because it combines anonymity, licensing, multi-chain support, and transparent betting infrastructure in one platform. Key details: Feature Dexsport KYC No KYC required Coins Supported 40+ cryptocurrencies Networks 20 blockchains Betting Features Live betting, Cash Out, esports License Anjouan Audits CertiK, Pessimistic Casino Games 10,000+ Dexsport allows registration through a crypto wallet or Telegram without mandatory identity verification. The sportsbook covers football, MMA, basketball, tennis, esports, and live betting markets with over 100 betting options on major matches. The public betting desk and on-chain visibility add an extra layer of transparency rarely seen in crypto gambling. For beginners, the platform is easier to navigate than many older sportsbooks while still offering advanced features like: live Cash Out Turbo Combos stablecoin cashback multi-chain wallet support 2. Cloudbet Cloudbet remains one of the oldest crypto sportsbooks in the market, operating since 2013. Strengths: high betting limits strong football and esports coverage 30+ supported cryptocurrencies automated withdrawals Weaknesses: KYC may be requested during withdrawals fewer beginner-focused promotions Cloudbet is more suitable for experienced bettors but still remains one of the most established crypto betting brands. 3. Thunderpick Thunderpick focuses heavily on esports betting. Best for: CS2 Dota 2 Valorant live esports betting The platform supports BTC, ETH, XRP, and USDT while maintaining relatively simple onboarding. 4. BetPanda BetPanda is a simpler no-KYC sportsbook and casino platform aimed at casual users. Highlights: anonymous registration fast crypto transactions weekly cashback beginner-friendly interface Its sportsbook depth is smaller than Dexsport or Cloudbet, but the simplicity appeals to new users. 5. Vave Vave combines casino gaming and sports betting with strong live betting functionality. Advantages: deep football markets 300+ betting markets on major matches fast crypto deposits strong mobile experience The main drawback is relatively high bonus wagering requirements. Regulated vs No-KYC Sportsbooks Type Advantages Drawbacks Regulated sportsbooks Stronger legal protections, mainstream trust Mandatory KYC, slower onboarding No-KYC crypto sportsbooks Faster access, more privacy, faster withdrawals Quality varies heavily between operators Platforms like BetMGM, FanDuel, and DraftKings operate under strict U.S. regulation but require full identity verification. Crypto-native platforms prioritize speed and privacy instead. The safest approach is choosing licensed crypto sportsbooks with transparent policies rather than completely anonymous operators with unclear ownership. Tips for Beginners Start Small Begin with small wagers until you understand: odds movement live betting mechanics withdrawal systems bonus rules Read Bonus Terms Carefully A large welcome bonus means little if withdrawal conditions are unrealistic. Protect Your Wallet Never store large balances directly on gambling platforms. Avoid Chasing Losses The 2026 FIFA World Cup will run across 104 matches over 39 days, creating nonstop betting opportunities. Setting clear bankroll limits matters more than picking “winning systems.” Final Thoughts Crypto sports betting offers clear advantages over traditional sportsbooks. But the industry still requires caution. The safest sportsbooks combine: transparent licensing audited infrastructure clear withdrawal policies reasonable bonus conditions proven payment reliability Dexsport currently stands out because it combines those elements with true crypto-native functionality, including no-KYC onboarding, on-chain transparency, live betting tools, and broad multi-chain support. For beginners entering crypto betting in 2026, understanding the risks matters as much as finding the right odds. Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
21 May 2026, 14:02
This Mainstream Media Posted Bullish Trump Crypto Report With Ripple (XRP) Logo
NewsMax published a report on Tuesday about the Trump administration’s plans for digital securities trading. The outlet chose to illustrate it with the Ripple (XRP) logo. That choice did not go unnoticed. Software engineer Vincent Van Code (@vincent_vancode) responded directly to the post. He noted that NewsMax either has inside knowledge or is deliberately targeting XRP community traffic. He added, “I would take it with a grain of salt.” This news site posted a Ripple logo, they either know something or just want XRP army traffic to their site. I would take it with a grain of salt. https://t.co/qsbxSQVAs7 pic.twitter.com/Tc9jLlPSFB — Vincent Van Code (@vincent_vancode) May 19, 2026 What the Report Says The substance of the NewsMax report is significant on its own. The Trump administration plans to unveil a framework for trading tokenized or digital versions of securities, according to Bloomberg News, which cited people familiar with the matter. Tokenized securities represent a major area of interest in the current regulatory environment. The move would create pathways for crypto assets to operate within traditional financial markets. XRP has long been associated with institutional financial infrastructure, which makes the logo choice notable to many in the community. Why the Logo Choice Matters to XRP Holders NewsMax did not name XRP or Ripple in the report. The logo appeared as the article’s featured image. NewsMax either knows something or wants the traffic. XRP has one of the most engaged communities in crypto . The XRP Army follows developments closely and searches aggressively for news. A Ripple logo on a high-profile policy story pulls that audience in. It costs nothing editorially and drives significant clicks. XRP also carries a unique history with securities law. The SEC wrongly classified XRP as an unregistered security for years before Ripple won key court rulings . That battle kept XRP at the center of every conversation about crypto regulation and securities law. A story about tokenized securities trading is exactly the kind of headline the XRP community gravitates toward. NewsMax knows that. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 Do They Know Something? The other possibility is more straightforward. The Trump administration is building a framework for digital securities trading. Ripple’s core technology targets institutional finance and cross-border settlements. If XRP plays a role in whatever the administration announces, using the logo now would make editorial sense. No confirmation exists, and no source named Ripple. The logo choice remains unexplained. But it appeared in a story about digital securities policy at a moment when the administration is actively shaping crypto regulation. That timing is worth paying attention to. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on X , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post This Mainstream Media Posted Bullish Trump Crypto Report With Ripple (XRP) Logo appeared first on Times Tabloid .
21 May 2026, 13:36
Police arrest 3,018 suspects across 10 jurisdictions in $752 million fraud crackdown
Operation FRONTIER+ III, a coordinated two-month operation involving law enforcement from 10 countries has ended in the arrests of more than 3,000 people. The Hong Kong Police Force and Singapore Police Force announced that they recovered $161 million from their operation, which targeted cross-border scams and money laundering operators. What is Operation Frontier? 3,200 officers from Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, South Korea, Brunei, Canada, the Maldives and Macau participated in an operation, codenamed FRONTIER+ III , that ran from March 10 to May 7, 2026. The 3,018 arrested suspects were linked to more than 138,000 fraud cases including e-commerce scams, fake job offers, investment fraud and impersonation schemes. Victim losses totaled approximately $752 million. Images from the Operation FRONTIER+ takedowns. Source: Singapore Police $161 million was recovered from the operation across the participating jurisdictions and nearly 102,000 bank accounts had to be frozen to prevent the flow of the funds. $319 million of the $752 million reported as fraud losses came from Hong Kong. The city’s police arrested 870 individuals, from as young as 13 to as old as 83, in connection with 742 cases and intercepted about HK$539 million (approximately $69 million) in suspected criminal proceeds. The FRONTIER+ platform now includes representatives from 14 law enforcement agencies, with the United States, Australia, South Africa and the UAE joining the original Asian participants. Singapore CEO fell for $36.3 million scam In the largest individual fraud case that the operation targeted, the chief executive of a Singapore-based company received a WhatsApp call from someone posing as the firm’s chairman. The executive transferred $36.3 million into two local OCBC accounts for a fake acquisition. The fraud was discovered later when the CEO checked with the actual chairman. Singapore’s Anti-Scam Centre seized $9.7 million from local accounts, but roughly $26.5 million had already moved to Hong Kong. Joint work with Hong Kong’s Anti-Deception Coordination Centre recovered an additional $11.1 million from bank accounts and linked crypto wallets. Two Singaporeans were arrested for allegedly helping open the corporate bank account that received the illicit transfers. About half the stolen funds were converted to stablecoins and spread across multiple wallets, which is a growing trend Hong Kong police have observed among fraud syndicates. How is Singapore fighting cybercrime? In a separate cross-border operation, Singapore and Malaysian police dismantled a syndicate operating out of Johor Bahru. Officers from Malaysia’s Johor Commercial Crime Investigation Department raided the group’s premises in March, and seized 83 mobile phones, 45 bank tokens and a computer containing operational software. That intelligence led to the arrest of 18 people in Singapore between March 23 and 31 for allegedly surrendering bank accounts or Singpass credentials for payment. A second joint operation targeted a suspected government official impersonation scam center in Kuala Lumpur. Malaysian police raided the location early in April and arrested three men. The devices recovered contained fake court orders and photographs linking the suspects to fraud that cost 22 Singapore-based victims more than S$877,000. Singapore’s Anti-Scam Centre investigated more than 1,000 individuals tied to cases involving S$69.3 million in losses. Over 130 people were arrested in the city-state, and authorities froze 2,315 bank accounts and seized S$34.9 million. Authorities have indicated the FRONTIER+ platform will continue expanding, and additional jurisdictions will be invited to join future operations. The smartest crypto minds already read our newsletter. Want in? Join them .
21 May 2026, 12:55
SEC Freezes Prediction Market ETFs as Wall Street Eyes the Next Crypto Boom
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is slowing the launch of a new category of exchange-traded funds tied to prediction markets, signaling that regulators are not yet ready to approve products built around betting on real-world events. SEC Chair Paul Atkins said the agency needs more time to evaluate the risks behind these products, noting that “new products raise new questions.” He instructed SEC staff to gather public feedback before moving forward with pending applications. Earlier this month, the regulator paused reviews of filings submitted by Bitwise, Roundhill Investments, and GraniteShares. All three firms filed their applications in February. Why Prediction Market ETFs Are Drawing Attention Prediction markets have rapidly become one of crypto’s fastest-growing sectors. Monthly trading volume now regularly exceeds $15 billion as users speculate on elections, sporting events, company earnings, and cultural developments. The proposed ETFs would give investors exposure to prediction market contracts through traditional brokerage accounts instead of specialized crypto platforms. Supporters believe this could mirror the path taken by spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, which attracted billions of dollars after their approvals in 2024. Bitwise has proposed several products under its PredictionShares brand focused on U.S. election outcomes, while Roundhill Investments and GraniteShares submitted similar offerings. Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas said the SEC appears to be handling these products the same way it approached early spot crypto ETFs: cautiously and step by step. He noted that regulators want to fully understand the market structure before opening access to mainstream investors. Legal Risks Add More Pressure The regulatory uncertainty comes as prediction market platform Kalshi continues to face legal battles in several U.S. states. Unlike traditional ETFs tied to stocks or commodities, prediction market products rely on binary outcomes rather than asset prices. That creates new concerns around pricing models, market manipulation, and dispute resolution. One of the biggest unresolved issues is how contested outcomes would be handled in politically sensitive or controversial events. Analysts say that uncertainty could become a systemic risk if these products enter mainstream financial markets. SEC Signals Broader Push Toward Financial Innovation Despite its cautious stance, the SEC continues to acknowledge the growing role of ETFs in financial innovation. Atkins said ETF assets under management have tripled since 2019, making them one of the most influential forces in modern markets. The regulator has recently shown greater openness toward unconventional financial products, especially after introducing a universal listing framework that simplified ETF approvals. At the same time, reports suggest the SEC is considering an “innovation exception” that could allow tokenized versions of traditional stocks such as AAPL, NVDA, and TSLA to trade on crypto infrastructure. The SEC’s handling of prediction market ETFs now looks increasingly similar to its earlier approach toward Bitcoin ETFs: delay first, establish standards later, and only approve products once regulators feel market risks can be contained.
