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DraftKings Buys CFTC-Licensed Railbird, Taps Polymarket to Power New Predictions App

The company plans a mobile marketplace for trading event contracts across finance, culture, entertainment, reportedly targeting states without legal sports betting.

Overview

  • DraftKings confirmed the Railbird acquisition and said its standalone DraftKings Predictions mobile app will launch in the coming months.
  • Polymarket will act as the platform’s clearinghouse, and DraftKings said the product can connect to multiple exchanges to broaden available markets.
  • Initial categories exclude sports, and the company has not committed to offering sports event contracts as it evaluates that option.
  • Deal terms were not disclosed, but reporting indicates DraftKings may pay up to $250 million, including $50 million upfront and up to $200 million in performance incentives.
  • The federal-exchange route positions DraftKings under CFTC oversight as several states and tribal authorities contest sports-related event contracts offered by prediction markets.