Prediction-style betting is quietly shaping up to be one of the most interesting new betting formats in the UK. As exchanges and regulated operators experiment with clearer pricing and simpler interfaces, 2026 could mark the point where prediction-style markets move from niche curiosity to mainstream betting option for British players.
This guide explains what prediction-style markets are, which UK betting apps are expected to lead the way, and why these products remain firmly within UK gambling regulation.
What Are Prediction-Style Markets?
Prediction-style markets allow you to bet on whether a specific event will happen using simple yes or no outcomes, priced as percentages rather than traditional odds. Instead of seeing 2/1, 5/2, or decimal odds like 3.5, you might see a market priced at 40% or 75%, reflecting the implied probability at that moment.
For many players, this format feels more intuitive. A 70% price instantly communicates likelihood in a way that traditional odds often do not, especially for casual or newer bettors.
Despite the trading-style language, prediction-style markets in the UK are not financial products. They are treated as standard betting markets and operate under the same UK Gambling Commission rules as betting exchanges and sportsbooks.
Common use cases are expected to include:
- Political outcomes
- Entertainment events
- Sports specials and season-long bets
- Long-term or “future” betting markets
Matchbook Predictions: The Likely First Major UK Launch
Matchbook is widely expected to be the first established UK-facing operator to roll out a dedicated prediction-style betting product. The platform builds on Matchbook’s long-standing betting exchange, which already operates under a UK Gambling Commission licence.
The prediction-style interface is expected to present:
- Binary yes/no outcomes
- Percentage-based pricing
- Exchange-style liquidity running in the background
For experienced punters, this means the familiar mechanics of an exchange, such as commission-based betting and market-driven prices, but displayed in a cleaner, more modern format. For newer players, it lowers the learning curve compared to traditional odds ladders and back/lay markets.
From an E-E-A-T perspective, Matchbook’s involvement matters. It signals that prediction-style betting is being developed by established, regulated operators rather than offshore or experimental platforms.
EasyBet: A Mobile-First Prediction Betting App
EasyBet is expected to launch as a white-label prediction-style betting app, using the same underlying exchange technology as Matchbook but with a much more consumer-friendly presentation.
The focus here is likely to be:
- Mobile-first design
- Fast onboarding
- Plain-language market descriptions
- Simplified betting flows
While the front end may feel lighter and more accessible, the product should still follow the same UK rules around identity verification, responsible gambling tools, and safer gambling controls.
For UK players who like the idea of prediction markets but do not want the complexity of a full betting exchange, EasyBet could become a natural entry point.
Likely (But Unconfirmed) New Entrants: Betfair, Smarkets, and Spreadex
It is important to be clear: Betfair, Smarkets, and Spreadex have not confirmed any prediction-style betting products for 2026. Their inclusion here is based on industry logic rather than announcements.
That said, all three brands are well positioned to explore this format.
- Betfair already runs the UK’s largest betting exchange and has deep liquidity, trading teams, and regulatory infrastructure.
- Smarkets operates a modern exchange platform that already displays strong probability-based pricing.
- Spreadex combines fixed-odds betting with spread betting and long-term event markets, making it a natural candidate for prediction-style formats.
For these operators, launching prediction-style markets would largely be a product design and UX decision, not a regulatory leap. If they do enter the space, it is likely to start with limited pilots or clearly labelled prediction sections rather than full platform overhauls.
For players, this could mean:
- Dedicated prediction hubs
- Cleaner layouts for political and entertainment betting
- More transparent probability-driven pricing
Until anything is announced, however, these brands remain firmly speculative.
Why Prediction-Style Markets Are Still Gambling Under UK Law
Although prediction-style betting borrows concepts from trading and finance, UK-facing products remain regulated gambling.
Operators must:
- Hold a UK remote betting licence
- Complete full KYC and affordability checks
- Follow anti-money laundering rules
- Offer safer gambling tools and self-exclusion
Markets are commission-based betting markets, not financial derivatives or investment products. This distinction is crucial for UK players, as it ensures consumer protection and regulatory oversight.
From a trust perspective, this is one of the strongest arguments in favor of regulated UK prediction-style betting apps compared to offshore or crypto-based prediction platforms.
What This Means for UK Players in 2026
For British punters, prediction-style betting is likely to become far more visible in 2026. Rather than replacing traditional odds, it will probably sit alongside them as an alternative way to engage with long-term and narrative-driven markets.
You can expect:
- Clear percentage pricing
- Yes/no betting options
- Cleaner, story-led market presentation
- Familiar UK betting protections
For players who like the idea of “trading the future” but prefer the reassurance of UK regulation, prediction-style betting apps could offer a compelling middle ground.
Final Thoughts: A New Betting Format, Not a New Risk Category
Prediction-style markets are best understood as a new interface, not a new form of gambling. The underlying mechanics remain the same, but the presentation is designed to feel more intuitive, transparent, and accessible.
As more UK betting sites explore this format, 2026 could mark the point where prediction-style betting moves from early adopter territory into the mainstream — without leaving the safety of the UK’s regulated gambling ecosystem.
