A new NCPG/Harris Poll reveals that most Americans support gambling-style consumer protections for prediction market platforms.
The findings highlight increasing public awareness around financial risks, responsible gaming tools, and harm prevention measures.
Public Concern Grows Around Prediction Market Risks
A new national survey commissioned by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) has found widespread public support for stronger consumer protection measures on prediction market platforms as participation in these emerging financial products continues to increase.
The research, conducted by The Harris Poll among 2,045 U.S. adults aged 18 and older between May 12 and May 14, 2026, examined public perceptions of prediction markets and the safeguards that should apply to these platforms.
According to the findings, 45% of Americans consider prediction markets to be comparable to gambling, while 27% view them as more closely related to investing. The survey also found that 84% believe prediction market platforms should follow consumer protection standards similar to those applied to gambling.
Support for specific safeguards was also significant. A total of 82% of respondents said platforms allowing users to risk money on future outcomes should provide responsible gaming and consumer protection tools, including deposit limits, cooling-off periods, and access to support resources.
Additionally, 85% agreed that individuals can develop unhealthy or addictive behaviours associated with prediction market participation, while 86% said these platforms involve financial risks comparable to other forms of gambling. However, only 56% reported knowing where to seek help if they or someone they know experienced problems related to prediction market use.
“These findings show that the public recognizes prediction markets as platforms that can carry many of the same risks associated with gambling,” said Heather L. Maurer, Executive Director at NCPG. “Regardless of how these products are classified legally, Americans clearly believe that if financial risk and repeated participation are involved, meaningful consumer protections should follow.”
The findings arrive during an ongoing national debate over the role of prediction markets, their classification, and the need for appropriate consumer safeguards as the sector expands.
“As these platforms continue to expand, there is a growing need for public awareness, education, and access to support resources,” Maurer added. “As retail participation in financial markets continues to evolve, NCPG is committed to ensuring consumer education and harm prevention efforts evolve alongside them. That commitment includes new efforts to better understand emerging risks and strengthen consumer education through NCPG’s Financial Trader Health and Safety Initiative, and engage organizations operating within the financial sector through our Financial Services & Trading membership subcategory.”
The survey data was collected online in the United States with a sampling precision of ±2.7 percentage points at a 95% confidence level, according to the methodology provided by The Harris Poll.
