Is prediction market trading risky?

Yes. Prediction markets carry real financial risk, including the total loss of your deposit. Contracts settle to either $1.00 or $0.00 — there is no middle ground at expiration. Never trade money you cannot afford to lose, and treat every position as fully at-risk.

Can I self-exclude from prediction market platforms in California?

Yes. Every CFTC-regulated platform we recommend offers self-exclusion tools (typically 1-day, 7-day, 30-day, 1-year, and lifetime options). You'll find them in your account's Responsible Trading or Settings menu. Once activated, self-exclusion cannot be undone before the period ends.

Where can California residents get help for problem gambling?

Call 1-800-GAMBLER (California Council on Problem Gambling and National Council on Problem Gambling share the same number). The line is free, confidential, and available 24/7. California-specific services are available statewide regardless of which county you live in.

Trade Safely

Responsible Trading

Prediction markets can be educational and entertaining. They can also become a problem. If trading is no longer fun — or you can't stop — help is free, confidential, and available 24/7.

Need help right now?

Call the California Council on Problem Gambling at 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) — free, confidential, 24/7. Or text "SUPPORT" to 53342.

California & national resources

California Council on Problem Gambling

1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)

24/7 free, confidential help for CA residents — call, text, or chat.

National Council on Problem Gambling Helpline

1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)

24/7 nationwide. Text, chat, and call.

Gamblers Anonymous

1-855-222-5542

Free peer-support meetings across California and online.

SAMHSA National Helpline

1-800-662-HELP (4357)

Free, confidential treatment referral for any addiction, 24/7.

Warning signs

If you recognize yourself in two or more of these, take a break and consider speaking with a counselor:

Trading with money meant for rent, food, or bills
Hiding the size or frequency of your trades from family
Chasing losses with bigger position sizes
Borrowing money — including credit cards — to deposit
Lying about how a market resolved
Sleeping poorly because of open positions
Trading during work, family time, or while driving
Feeling restless or irritable when not in a market

Tools you can use today

Deposit limits

Every CFTC-regulated operator we cover supports daily, weekly, and monthly deposit caps. Set them before you fund your account, not after a losing streak.

Cooling-off period

Most apps let you pause trading for 24 hours, 7 days, 30 days, or longer. During the pause you cannot deposit, place new orders, or remove the limit early.

Self-exclusion

Permanent or long-term (1-year, 5-year, lifetime) account closure. Once active, you cannot create a new account at the same operator. Contact the operator's support team directly.

Talk to someone

A 15-minute call with a trained counselor at 1-800-GAMBLER is free and anonymous. They will not pressure you into anything — they listen first.

Our promises to you

• We will never promote operators that lack documented self-exclusion and deposit-limit tools.
• We will never use language like "guaranteed wins," "risk-free," or "easy money." If you see it on our Site, report it.
• We will always disclose that prediction market trading carries real financial risk, including total loss of deposit.
• We will not market to anyone under 18.

If you are in immediate crisis or considering self-harm, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) — available 24/7.