Gambling Addiction in Crypto: Prediction Markets Conquer the World in 2025!

In 2025, the cryptocurrency world is experiencing a real boom in prediction markets - platforms where users can bet on the outcomes of real events, from politics and sports to asset prices. If earlier every second project launched Layer-2 solutions, now the focus has shifted to Web3 gambling. Just in recent days, three major projects have been announced: from the traditional broker Robinhood to decentralized platforms on BNB Chain. And considering recent launches like Opinion and Predict.Fun from CZ, the trend is gaining momentum. Let's figure out why this is happening and what's new in the industry.

Robinhood Enters the Game with YES/NO Bets

The major American broker Robinhood, known for democratizing stock trading, is expanding its presence in prediction markets. In March 2025, the company launched Prediction Markets Hub through its subsidiary Robinhood Derivatives, LLC (RHD). And in November, it announced a joint venture with Susquehanna to create a CFTC-licensed exchange and clearing house, which will allow a full derivatives exchange to launch in 2026. This has already led to a more than 10% increase in Robinhood's shares, and the platform has processed 9 billion contracts with 1 million users. The platform focuses on simple YES/NO bets, including sports and other events, and positions itself as an alternative to traditional betting.

PancakeSwap and Probable: Zero-Fee Platform on BNB Chain

The decentralized exchange PancakeSwap (CAKE) has joined the trend, announcing Probable - a new on-chain prediction platform, incubated jointly with YZi Labs. Probable launches on BNB Chain with zero fees, a user-friendly interface, and a focus on regional bets. The platform is independent but receives support from PancakeSwap in early development. This adds to the BNB Chain ecosystem, where other projects are already operating, and underscores the growing popularity of the chain for gambling due to low fees and high throughput.

Gemini Launches Prediction Markets in the USA

The American cryptocurrency exchange Gemini, founded by the Winklevoss brothers, has received a Designated Contract Market (DCM) license from the CFTC and launched Gemini Predictions in all 50 US states. The platform is available via web and iOS, offers event contracts on real events, and starts with zero fees. This is the culmination of five years of efforts for regulatory approval, and Gemini positions itself as a "financial super-app" where predictions are combined with crypto trading. The Gemini token rose 14% after the announcement, outperforming competitors like Coinbase.

Earlier in the BNB Chain Ecosystem: Opinion and Predict.Fun from CZ

BNB Chain is becoming a hub for prediction markets. In October 2025, Opinion Labs launched its mainnet, offering decentralized predictions with a focus on information aggregation. And in early December, Changpeng Zhao (CZ), founder of Binance, personally announced Predict.Fun - a platform on BNB Chain, incubated by YZi Labs. Predict.Fun allows earning yield on open positions, has already attracted thousands of users, and emphasizes integration with the Binance ecosystem.

CZ noted: "Together we are turning BNB Chain into the home for the best prediction markets in the world."

Trends 2025: From Meme-Coins to Utilitarian Bets

Prediction markets are surpassing meme-coins and NFTs in trading volumes, becoming a key trend in crypto. The overall crypto market has exceeded $4 trillion in capitalization, and prediction markets are integrating with AI and mainstream media for more accurate forecasts. Regulators like the CFTC are opening doors for licensed platforms, reducing risks and attracting institutions. However, experts warn about the risks of gambling addiction: betting on events can be addictive, especially in Web3, where everything is on-chain and transparent.

In the end, 2025 could be the year when prediction markets transition from niche to mainstream, uniting crypto, betting, and data.