Everyone is losing on ‘sucker-bet’ laden prediction markets except a few seasoned pros

NewsWorldAmericasEveryone is losing on ‘sucker-bet’ laden prediction markets except a few seasoned prosPlatforms like Polymarket and Kalshi have seen a huge surge in business - but there are growing calls for greater regulationOisin Mcilroy Monday 04 May 2026 19:21 BSTBookmarkCommentsGo to commentsBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popover{"translations":{"comments":"Go to comments","share":"Share","copyLink":"Copy link","bookmark":"Bookmark","removeBookmark":"Remove bookmark"},"showComments":true,"showBookmark":true,"articleId":"b2970201","articleMeta":{"url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/prediction-markets-gambling-polymarket-kalshi-b2970201.html","title":"Everyone is losing on ‘sucker-bet’ prediction markets except a few seasoned pros"}}open image in gallery{"id":"trigger-autogallery-7089","index":0}Prediction markets have surged in popularity with users able to bet on almost anything (AP)The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekdayYour briefing on the latest headlines from across the USYour briefing on the latest headlines from across the USEmail*SIGN UPI would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice{"className":"sc-1ge0fwe-0","newsletterData":{"regSourceNewsletter":"IND_Evening_Newsletter","regTitle":"Evening Headlines","subscriptionGroup":"us_evening_headlines","subscriptionGroupId":"4326e634-422a-4447-8e1e-604a937cd3b5","type":"daily_news","pathPrefix":["/us","/news/world/americas","/news/world/americas/crime"],"title":"The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday","mobileTitle":"Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US","imageSrc":"https://static.independent.co.uk/static-assets/images/newsletters/usEveningHeadlines1_1.png","label":"I would like to receive morning headlines Monday - Friday plus breaking news alerts by email","newsletterKey":"receiveEveningHea...