New data from Blask reveals that branded demand for prediction markets in the United States has increased more than fivefold since August 2025, signaling a sustained resurgence in interest toward event-based trading platforms. To support deeper analysis of this fast-growing segment, Blask has also rolled out a dedicated prediction market analytics feature, enabling operators to track demand dynamics, competitive positioning, and regional distribution in real time.

Despite this rapid growth, the category has not yet reached its historical peak. Current demand levels remain approximately 49% below the all-time high recorded during the November 2024 US election cycle — a spike largely driven by a single, high-impact event.

From event-driven spikes to sustained growth

Unlike the sharp, short-lived surge seen in 2024, the current rally has developed steadily over eight consecutive months without a comparable macro trigger. This shift suggests a structural evolution of the category, moving from episodic attention toward more consistent user engagement. At the same time, the competitive landscape has consolidated rather than diversified.

A tightening duopoly

As of March 2026, Polymarket and Kalshi jointly account for approximately 94% of all branded demand in US prediction markets. Both platforms have strengthened their positions during the growth period, increasing their respective market shares while the overall category expanded.

State-level data reinforces this dominance. In Kansas, Polymarket controls 95.5% of branded demand, compared to Kalshi’s 3.5%, representing the most extreme imbalance. Louisiana shows the closest competition, with Polymarket at 59% and Kalshi at 35.3%. Across all states, however, the two operators overwhelmingly dominate user interest.

These insights are now directly accessible through Blask’s prediction market analytics, allowing operators to benchmark performance not just nationally, but at the state level where competitive dynamics can differ significantly.

Challengers remain marginal — but signals are emerging

Beyond the leading duopoly, the rest of the market accounts for just 6% of total branded demand. Myriad currently ranks as the closest competitor, holding under 1% share.

Meanwhile, Robinhood presents the fastest growth trajectory in the category, with a year-over-year increase of +983.4%. While its absolute share remains low at 0.24%, the momentum indicates potential early-stage positioning in the space.

Demand concentrated in key states

The expansion of prediction markets is national in scope, but demand remains highly concentrated geographically. California leads with 15.9% of total US branded demand, followed by New York at 10.8%. Together, these two states account for over a quarter of the entire category’s interest.

This geographic distribution further highlights the importance of granular analytics, as operators competing in prediction markets increasingly need localized insights rather than relying on aggregate national trends.

A maturing category

The latest data points to a category transitioning from volatility to structure. While prediction markets are still influenced by major real-world events, the current growth pattern suggests increasing baseline demand – and a competitive environment defined by scale rather than fragmentation.

As the market continues to evolve, the key question is no longer whether interest will return, but how it will be distributed – and whether new entrants can meaningfully challenge an increasingly entrenched duopoly.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has announced a landmark partnership with Gamban, the world’s leading gambling blocking software, to offer free Gamban licenses to any Michigan resident who wishes to use the application. Residents may claim a free license, with options ranging from one to five years at no cost. The initiative represents a significant expansion of the MGCB’s responsible gaming framework, providing residents with a powerful, practical tool to support their efforts to limit or eliminate access to online gambling.

Gamban is a comprehensive blocking solution that restricts access to gambling websites and applications across all major devices and platforms, including Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS. Once installed, the software is designed to be highly resistant to removal, offering users a meaningful barrier between themselves and online gambling content even when willpower alone may not be enough.

According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, approximately 2% of Americans — roughly six million people — meet the criteria for a gambling addiction. Michigan’s experience reflects this trend. As one of the first states to legalize online sports betting and online casino gaming, it has experienced significant growth in digital gambling activity. The MGCB recognizes that with expanded access comes a heightened responsibility to ensure robust consumer protections are in place.

“Michigan is committed to ensuring that the expansion of legal gaming comes with the strongest possible safeguards for our residents. Our partnership with Gamban gives anyone who wants help a free, proven tool to block access to online gambling — instantly and across all their devices,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said.

Under the partnership, Michigan residents can obtain a free Gamban license by visiting Michigan.gov/MGCB. The offer is open to all Michigan residents, with no requirement to be enrolled in a self-exclusion program. Those already enrolled in the MGCB’s Responsible Gaming Database or Disassociated Persons List are especially encouraged to take advantage of this additional layer of protection.

Matt Zarb-Cousin, Director of External Affairs at Gamban, said: “We are delighted to partner with the Michigan Gaming Control Board to make Gamban free for people where cost might otherwise be a barrier. When someone takes the first step toward quitting gambling, they will be made aware of all the services available in the state via the Gamban app, while it works to block gambling sites and apps in the background. This approach has improved overall rates of abstinence and recovery in other jurisdictions.”

Gamban blocks all online gambling content regardless of regulatory status — including casino games, sports betting, poker, slots, social casinos, crypto gambling, and NFT-based wagering — providing comprehensive coverage that extends beyond licensed Michigan operators to include unregulated and black market sites. The software is designed to minimize disruption to everyday digital activities, leaving investment platforms and unrelated websites unaffected.

“The Michigan Gaming Control Board works hard to deliver meaningful, accessible responsible gaming support to residents across the state. Gamban helps people take back control, and this partnership ensures that anyone in Michigan who wants that help can get it — free of charge,” said Sandra Johnson, MGCB Responsible Gaming Section Manager.

This partnership reflects the MGCB’s broader responsible gaming strategy, which includes the Disassociated Persons List for Detroit’s commercial casinos, the Responsible Gaming Database for online self-exclusion, and the “Don’t Regret the Bet” awareness campaign. The addition of Gamban creates a layered approach to harm reduction — combining voluntary self-exclusion with device-level blocking technology to provide support at every point in a person’s journey.

Hard Rock International has announced the promotion of Morgan Lexis to Senior Vice President of Global Sales. In this new role, Lexis will manage global sales for 35 Hard Rock properties, lead global marketing efforts for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) and travel industry sales segments (TIS), as well as oversee the development of sales teams and strategies at all new property openings, including the upcoming Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas. Lexis reports to Chief Operating Officer for Hard Rock International, Jeff Hook.

“Morgan’s promotion is a reflection of her remarkable contributions to Hard Rock and her proven ability to create exceptional experiences for our guests. Her expertise in sales operations, combined with her extensive knowledge of our portfolio and tenure in the Las Vegas market, has positioned her to lead our global sales strategy into the future,” said Jeff Hook.

Lexis, a Certified Meeting Professional based in Las Vegas, has more than 20 years of sales experience in the hospitality industry. She has been part of the Hard Rock team for four years, most recently serving as VP of Sales for Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, leading the team focused on promoting and selling the future property across MICE and TIS segments. Prior, she was VP of Sales at The Mirage Hotel & Casino where she led and managed convention & leisure sales, catering, services and luxury experience teams. Lexis previously held sales leadership roles at other notable Las Vegas entities including Luxor Hotel & Casino, Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, and Bellagio Resort & Casino.

“I’m honored to step into this expanded role and to continue growing alongside such an extraordinary team and brand. Hard Rock’s key differentiators set us apart in the meetings and events landscape, and I look forward to sharing that distinctive experience with audiences around the world—driving meaningful growth across our iconic properties, including, of course, the highly anticipated Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas,” said Lexis.