DraftKings climbs to third in US prediction market trading
DraftKings has emerged as the third-largest prediction market exchange by weekly notional trading volume in the United States, highlighting the gambling operator’s rapid expansion into event-based contracts.
The company’s DKeX exchange recorded more than $3 billion in notional volume during the week ending October 18, according to data from Aldrin Research.
The performance placed DraftKings behind market leaders Kalshi and Polymarket, but ahead of rival platform Novig.
DraftKings Chief Executive Jason Robins highlighted the company’s progress during a presentation at the Next Predicts conference in New York on October 22.
“We only launched a few months ago and we’re already the clear No. 3,” Robins said.
The exchange also recorded approximately $316 million in notional trading volume during the NFL’s sixth week, its highest single-day NFL figure at that point.
DraftKings launched its proprietary DKeX exchange in June 2026, integrating prediction markets into its wider sports betting and casino ecosystem.
The company has positioned the product as an opportunity to reach customers through event contracts, including in markets where conventional online sports betting faces different regulatory restrictions.
Unlike traditional sportsbook wagers, prediction-market contracts are offered through exchange structures subject to federal commodities oversight, although their treatment under state gambling laws remains contested.
DraftKings believes its existing customer base, technology infrastructure and established consumer brands provide advantages over newer prediction-market competitors.
However, notional trading volume does not represent company revenue or profit. It measures the value of contracts traded and can include substantial repeat trading activity.
The rapid growth of DKeX illustrates how established gambling operators are increasingly competing with specialist prediction-market businesses for customers interested in sports-related event contracts.
The development also raises the competitive stakes for conventional US sportsbooks as prediction markets continue to challenge established gambling regulation.
