Regulation guide

Are Prediction Markets Legal in the UK?

The current UK regulatory position for exchanges, event contracts and crypto prediction markets.

Published 1 September 2026Reviewed 18 September 2026

The short answer

Real-money prediction trading is available legally through platforms licensed for Great Britain, principally betting exchanges. Overseas and crypto-settled platforms occupy a different position and may restrict UK users.

Why licensing matters

UK Gambling Commission licensees must provide age and identity checks, safer-gambling controls and complaint routes. Those protections do not follow a UK user onto an unlicensed overseas platform.

Official sources

Check the Gambling Commission public register and current GOV.UK guidance rather than relying on an old review. This page is reviewed when the regulatory position develops.

  • UK Gambling Commission public register
  • GOV.UK gambling regulation guidance
  • Gambling Act 2005

Official references: Gambling Commission public register and GOV.UK guidance.