With Railbird Acquisition, DraftKings Eyes New Prediction Markets

• DraftKings plans to launch “DraftKings Predictions” by the end of 2025, leveraging acquisitions and partnerships to enter regulated prediction markets.

DraftKings is preparing to make a significant move into prediction markets with its new platform, “DraftKings Predictions,” expected to launch by the end of 2025. On November 7, 2025, Reuters confirmed that the company is entering non-sports markets with the aim of offering prediction contracts in states where sportsbook licenses are not currently available. Financial, cultural, and entertainment events will serve as the initial focus areas of the new initiative, which is heavily influenced by blockchain technology.

DraftKings recently acquired Railbird Technologies in October to support this strategic expansion. Railbird, a federally licensed exchange regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), provides the licensing, infrastructure, and expertise DraftKings needs to operate in prediction markets within the U.S.

To further enable scalability, DraftKings has partnered with Polymarket to serve as the platform’s clearinghouse. Polymarket will oversee key backend functions such as trade verification, funds management, and payout operations. Leveraging Polymarket’s existing framework allows DraftKings to avoid building costly systems from scratch, ensuring a more streamlined launch process.

CEO Jason Robins stated that prediction markets offer an opportunity to significantly expand the company’s addressable market while continuing to emphasize sports betting as its core focus. He also suggested that regulated prediction platforms could create momentum for broader legislative changes in the U.S., opening doors to legalized online sports betting in additional regions.

DraftKings’ entrance into the prediction market aligns with its strategic efforts to diversify offerings and address growing consumer interest in forecasting platforms. Recent adoption trends for companies like Polymarket and Kalshi highlight the increasing appeal of blockchain-enabled prediction markets. DraftKings’ move seeks to capitalize on these trends while securing its foothold in the evolving gaming and entertainment ecosystem.

Major competitors, including FanDuel, have also expressed interest in prediction markets, reflecting a broader industry shift toward blockchain-integrated forecasting tools. This wave of institutional participation and tech-driven innovation positions DraftKings to capture a larger share of the expanding customer base while reinforcing its leadership within the digital betting space.