Prediction Market Platforms Kalshi, Polymarket Target Gen Z With Meme Culture; 69% of Traders Losing Money

According to Fortune Magazine, prediction market platforms including Kalshi and Polymarket are attracting younger users through meme-based marketing, gamified design with leaderboards and badges, and low entry barriers. Both platforms set minimum user age at 18 years old, lower than the 21-year-old gambling threshold in most U.S. states.

Data shows that only a small number of top traders are profitable on Polymarket, with approximately 69% of users posting losses. Experts warn that young users may be vulnerable to cognitive development impacts and risk forming high-risk investment dependencies. U.S. Senators Katie Britt and Richard Blumenthal have introduced legislation to restrict minors' exposure to prediction market advertising.