Prediction market platforms Polymarket and Kalshi are intensifying their anti-fraud mechanisms in preparation for the FIFA World Cup, while Kalshi separately reported that its newly launched cryptocurrency perpetual futures have surpassed $5.5 billion in trading volume within two weeks.
According to a report from The Information, both platforms are deploying advanced real-time monitoring systems capable of detecting wash trading, spoofing, and other forms of market manipulation. Polymarket, which has faced previous manipulation allegations, is incorporating machine learning models to spot anomalies, while Kalshi—regulated by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)—is adding compliance layers to meet federal standards. The platforms are also expanding the range of World Cup event contracts, moving beyond match winners to granular markets like goal totals and player performance, with the dual aim of attracting users and diluting manipulation impact across many contracts.
In parallel, Kalshi’s foray into crypto derivatives has proven explosive. After securing CFTC approval in May, the platform debuted perpetual futures on June 3 and recorded three consecutive days of over $1 billion in daily volume. A Bloomberg report noted that trading activity tied to the World Cup and the NBA Finals significantly fueled the surge. Kalshi’s unique fusion of event-based contracts with traditional perpetuals positions it as one of the few regulated U.S. venues offering such products, tapping into pent-up demand among traders seeking compliant access to crypto derivatives.
For users, the anti-fraud measures may introduce occasional additional verification steps or temporary trading limits, but they promise a safer environment. The developments signal to regulators that these platforms are serious about integrity, potentially influencing future policy on event-based trading. If the World Cup trading period proceeds without systemic abuse, it could validate prediction markets as scalable, compliant operations.
