Nearly 40% of Young Men Use Prediction Markets as Most Users Face Losses
Updated
Updated · CBS New York · Jun 6
Nearly 40% of Young Men Use Prediction Markets as Most Users Face Losses
3 articles · Updated · CBS New York · Jun 6
Summary
Close to 40% of men aged 18 to 34 use prediction markets, a fast-growing niche where many say they chase thrills, quick cash or a sense of financial security.
Most users still lose money: Citizens found a median return of minus 8%, and one Kalshi trader profiled saw his balance fall to $1,700 after depositing $2,500.
Kalshi’s user base is heavily male — about 3 million of 4 million active users are men — and 6 in 10 users are between 18 and 34.
Big early wins can fuel the appeal, but profits are concentrated at the top: the Wall Street Journal found more than 67% of Polymarket profits went to 0.1% of accounts.
The boom has also drawn scrutiny over alleged insider trading, reinforcing experts’ view that confidence, risk-taking and social status are pulling young men into a market stacked against average users.