FanDuel and CME Group Team Up on Regulated Prediction Market

Analysts see the initiative as a calculated move to counter rising taxes and increasing operational expenses in the traditional sports betting sectorImage Source: Shutterstock.com

FanDuel and CME Groupare getting ready to roll out a new platform that combines aspects of financial trading and betting, signaling a first-ever overlap between Wall Street and the gaming industry. The venture called FanDuel Markets, plans to provide hourly prediction contracts linked to key financial indicators like gold prices crude oil, and the S&P 500.

FanDuel Expands Beyond Sports Betting Through New CME-Backed Financial Prediction Platform

CME Group Chairman and CEO Terry Duffyshared details about a new project during a recent chat on Bloomberg’s Odd Lotspodcast. He talked about how people will have the chance to place small, quick bets, such as ngaking a guess if gold will end up above a certain price in the next hour, starting with just one dollar. These bets wrap up after an hour, mixing the thrill of instant results with the setup of short-term trading.

The partnership shows FanDuel’s newest effort to branch out beyond sports betting. The company, which just teamed up with Amazon to offer exclusive NBAand WNBAoddson Prime Video, aims to expand into financial prediction markets. By joining forces with CME, FanDuelgets access to a regulated market setting overseen by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

The partnership will run as a non-clearing futures commission merchant using CME’s infrastructure to ensure liquidity and compliance. Duffystressed that regulation forms the foundation of the venture, stating that credibility in financial products stems from clear oversight and investor education. Though sports-related contracts might be added later, neither company plans to include them when they launch because of ongoing legal uncertainty around such markets.

Rising Taxes Drive FanDuel Toward Finance

Industry expertsview the venture as a strategic answer to stricter tax systems and higher operational costs in traditional sports betting. The quick, easy-to-enter format of FanDuel Marketscould draw both retail traders and casual bettors looking to speculate in the short term.

CME Groupis expanding its digital asset products. Starting in early 2026, the derivatives powerhouse plans to allow round-the-clock trading for crypto futures and options, subject to regulatory green light. This change will let customers trade Bitcoinand Ethereumcontracts anytime, with a short weekly upkeep break. CME also announced upcoming options for Solanaand XRP, set to launch in mid-October.

CMEreports that the need for non-stop trading has grown along with record-breaking crypto volumes. In September, open interest in crypto futures hit $39 billion, while average daily contract volume jumped over 200% compared to last year.