What is a prediction market and how does sports betting work there

A plain explanation of prediction markets: shares that pay $1, prices in cents, and why the bets are public.

A market, not a bookmaker

On a prediction market, instead of betting against a bookmaker, you buy shares in an outcome from other people. A share of the outcome that happens pays $1. A share of an outcome that does not happen pays nothing.

Prices are in cents

A share costs between 1¢ and 99¢. The price is set by buyers and sellers, so it works like a crowd estimate of the chance: a team at 60¢ is about a 60% favourite in the market's view. If you buy at 60¢ and the team wins, you get $1, so your profit is 40¢ per share.

You can sell before the end

Shares can be sold at the current price at any time before the market closes. That is why Sigorum shows some picks as Sold: the proven bettors left before the start and we close the pick at that price, in the same way.

Why the bets are public

The prediction markets Sigorum follows run on a public blockchain. Every trade is recorded there with its size and price. This is what lets Sigorum follow the bettors with the best record. See how Sigorum works.

Before you bet

Prediction markets are not available everywhere. Check the rules where you live, bet only what you can afford to lose, and remember that a good record does not guarantee future results. 18+.