Gamification and memes lure young people to sports wagering apps and prediction markets
▪️Research finds most users of prediction market platforms lose money (69%)
▪️ Although 21yo is legal age for gambling in most US states, these platforms allow users at 18yo.
❓ How significant is this 3 year age gap for young people?
https://apnews.com/article/sports-betting-prediction-markets-memes-gamification-59e79f3f85800e1301fa71f235cf0cf8?mc_cid=655246868f
#sports #betting #gambling #tech #PredictionMarkets #gamification #marketing #SocialMedia

Prediction markets and sports wagering apps draw young users with gamification and memes
Some sports wagering platforms, as well as popular prediction markets Kalshi and Polymarket, are touting their availability to users starting at 18 despite most U.S. states restricting gambling to 21 and older. The companies often use memes to advertise their platforms, then keep users hooked with what they market as low-stakes, casual opportunities to make an easy buck. That creates an environment that some say feels more like a game and less like a risky financial transaction. Young adulthood is a crucial period for companies to cultivate long-term users, but experts note that it’s also a critical moment for cognitive development. Kalshi says memes are “just a part of corporate branding nowadays” and their usage isn’t necessarily related to age.
AP NewsReuters: Spain blocks prediction markets Polymarket, Kalshi over lack of gambling licences. “Spain’s Consumer Rights Ministry temporarily banned so-called prediction markets Polymarket and Kalshi for operating in the country without a gambling licence, the official state gazette showed on Tuesday.”
https://rbfirehose.com/2026/05/28/reuters-spain-blocks-prediction-markets-polymarket-kalshi-over-lack-of-gambling-licences/
Reuters: Spain blocks prediction markets Polymarket, Kalshi over lack of gambling licences
Reuters: Spain blocks prediction markets Polymarket, Kalshi over lack of gambling licences. “Spain’s Consumer Rights Ministry temporarily banned so-called prediction markets Polymarket …
ResearchBuzz: FirehoseDraftKings Promo: Bet $5, Get $100 in Bonus Bets Instantly for Hurricanes vs. Canadiens Game 4.
Use Polymarket Promo Code FOX and Get a $50 Trading Bonus for NHL Playoffs, MLB, and WNBA.
Reuters: Indonesia blocks Polymarket over online gambling concerns after bets on president’s exit. “Indonesia has blocked predictions market Polymarket as part of its crackdown on online gambling, its communications and digital ministry said, days after the site took bets on a premature end to Prabowo Subianto’s presidency.”
https://rbfirehose.com/2026/05/27/reuters-indonesia-blocks-polymarket-over-online-gambling-concerns-after-bets-on-presidents-exit/