Photo June 2026 iGaming news DraftKings DKEX launch.
June saw DraftKings launch its proprietary DKeX exchange, while major technology companies, sports leagues, and AI startups continued investing in the rapidly expanding prediction markets sector. © Photos are original and taken by Angela Zillich for JustGamblers.

Prediction markets continued their rapid evolution throughout June 2026 as established gaming companies, technology firms, and sports organizations doubled down on the sector. DraftKings expanded its in-house exchange capabilities, Meta reportedly entered development of its own prediction markets platform, and Polymarket secured additional partnerships with major football leagues. Meanwhile, AI-powered trading tools and new state tax policies demonstrated that prediction markets are becoming an increasingly important part of both the gaming and financial technology landscapes.

TL;DR: A Bite-sized Overview

  • DraftKings launches DKeX: The company introduced its proprietary prediction markets exchange to strengthen its rapidly growing DraftKings Predictions platform.
  • Meta explores prediction markets: Reports suggest the company is developing a standalone app, internally known as Arena, to capitalize on the sector's rapid growth.
  • Polymarket expands football partnerships: Exclusive U.S. agreements with Bundesliga and Liga MX further strengthen the platform's growing portfolio of official sports partnerships.
  • Kalshi develops advanced trading tools: The company is reportedly building a terminal-style platform for active traders featuring real-time market monitoring and enhanced analytics.
  • SpeedLabs secures AI funding: The startup raised $6.5 million to develop artificial intelligence-powered live sports markets for prediction market operators.
  • Illinois taxes prediction markets: The state's FY2027 budget introduces new taxes on sports contracts in prediction markets, highlighting growing regulatory and fiscal attention on the industry.

DraftKings Launches Proprietary Prediction Markets Exchange

DraftKings has launched DKeX, its proprietary prediction markets exchange, giving the company full control over the technology powering its DraftKings Predictions platform. Built on infrastructure acquired through the company's acquisition of Railbird Technologies, the exchange is designed to accelerate product development and further integrate prediction markets into the DraftKings Sports and Casino app.

The launch comes amid rapid growth for DraftKings Predictions, which recorded approximately $3.4 billion in annualized consumer trading volume during the week ending June 21. The company has continued expanding its offering with new event contracts, bundled "combo" positions, live markets, and additional sports.

Meta Reportedly Developing Prediction Markets App

Meta is reportedly developing a standalone prediction-markets app, internally known as Arena, according to multiple reports. The project is said to be led by a dedicated internal team and would initially use a points-based system rather than real-money trading, although future monetization options have reportedly not been ruled out.

The reported initiative reflects growing interest in prediction markets beyond the gaming industry. Companies from sectors including gambling, finance, cryptocurrency, and now social media are exploring the space as trading volumes continue to surge. Meta is expected to leverage its vast user base to drive adoption if the product moves beyond the development stage. Mark Zuckerberg is no stranger to adapting to emerging markets; hopefully, Arena will be more successful than the epic failure that was the Metaverse.

Polymarket Expands Football Partnerships with Bundesliga and Liga MX

Polymarket signed exclusive US prediction-market partnerships with both Germany's Bundesliga and Mexico's Liga MX, further expanding its presence in international football. The agreements add two of the world's most popular leagues to a growing portfolio of sports partnerships that already includes LaLiga, Serie A, UFC, and Zuffa Boxing.

Under the deals, eligible US users will be able to trade official event contracts tied to Bundesliga and Liga MX matches. Liga MX markets will be powered by official league data supplied through Genius Sports, which will also provide integrity monitoring services to help ensure market transparency and accurate contract settlement.

Kalshi Develops Terminal-Style Platform for Active Traders

Kalshi is reportedly developing a terminal-style trading platform (which was released on the 13 of July) designed for active prediction market traders, expanding its product suite beyond its core exchange. According to media reports, the platform is currently being tested by a select group of users and will provide advanced tools such as real-time market monitoring, order book visibility, customizable dashboards, and multi-market position management. The terminals are aimed at experienced traders seeking a more sophisticated trading environment.

SpeedLabs Raises $6.5 Million to Develop AI-Powered Live Sports Markets

Sports technology startup SpeedLabs has raised $6.5 million in seed funding to accelerate development of its artificial intelligence-powered live markets platform, Momentum Markets. The company plans to launch the product in summer 2026, positioning it as infrastructure for prediction market operators rather than traditional consumer-facing sports betting platforms.

Unlike conventional sportsbooks that adjust odds on existing wagers, Momentum Markets uses AI to generate entirely new markets in real time as games unfold. The technology is designed to create trading opportunities around shifts in momentum, allowing users to speculate on whether key moments in a sporting event will continue or reverse.

Illinois Introduces Taxes on Prediction Markets in FY2027 Budget

Illinois lawmakers approved the state's $55.9 billion budget for fiscal year 2027, introducing new taxes on sports betting prediction-market contracts, fantasy sports operators, cryptocurrency transactions, and several other digital industries. The measures are expected to generate hundreds of millions of dollars in additional revenue while helping offset potential reductions in federal funding.

For the prediction markets sector, the legislation represents one of the clearest examples yet of a state seeking to tax event contract platforms despite ongoing legal uncertainty over regulatory authority. Lawmakers also debated broader concerns surrounding prediction markets, including insider trading risks, minimum age requirements, and the expanding range of tradable events.