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Prediction Market Index/Compare/Kalshi vs Railbird
Head to head

Kalshi vs Railbird.

A like-for-like comparison on the things that actually differ: how each is regulated, how funding works, what it costs, and where it is available. We compare, we do not crown a winner.

By Morten AndersenFounder and editor · Two decades in advisory, hospitality and mediaEditorial review by Fredrik Filipsson · Last reviewed 17 June 2026

Last reviewed 17 June 2026 · Facts as of June 2026 · Illustrative editorial examples

Kalshi
91/100
Railbird
74/100
Side by side

The same questions, asked of both.

Kalshi
Railbird
Prediction Market Index score
91/100
74/100
Regulatory status
CFTC-regulated designated contract market (DCM) under US federal oversight.
CFTC-approved designated contract market (DCM).
Custody of funds
Customer funds in segregated accounts; balances settle in US dollars.
Within the regulated exchange framework; settles in US dollars.
Fees
Per-contract trading fee scaled to price; no deposit fee on standard methods.
Per-contract costs apply; confirm current terms.
Markets
Economics, elections, weather, financial indicators and selected sports where permitted.
A growing set of event contracts.
Eligibility
US-based users meeting age and identity verification (18+ or your state's legal age).
US users meeting verification.
Best described as
The most straightforwardly regulated venue we cover, and the easiest to recommend to a careful reader.
A US exchange approved by the CFTC as a designated contract market for event contracts.
A balanced verdict

Which one is right for you?

On our rubric Kalshi scores 91 and Railbird scores 74, but a higher score is not a recommendation to you. Kalshi tends to suit readers who value if you're trading from the US, while Railbird leans toward regulated and growing. The right venue depends on where you live and what you are eligible to use, so read both profiles and check the legality page before deciding.

FAQ

Questions readers keep asking.

Is Kalshi or Railbird better?

Neither is universally better. Kalshi scores 91 on our rubric and Railbird scores 74, but the right choice depends on your region, what you want to trade, and your eligibility. We compare the facts and leave the decision to you.

How current are these facts?

This comparison was last reviewed 17 June 2026 with facts as of June 2026. Fees, regulation and availability change often, so treat the figures as indicative and confirm the current terms on each platform.

Do you earn a commission from either platform?

No. Prediction Market Index does not take payment for placement and no platform can buy a higher score. Where a platform is genuinely available to you, any referral appears after the information, never before it.

Where is each platform legal?

Availability is local and, in the United States, often varies by state. Check our legality hub and each platform profile for the current position before you act.

Read the full profiles
Platform profile
Kalshi, rated 91
Platform profile
Railbird, rated 74