TLDR
- Robinhood is working with UK and European regulators to launch prediction markets internationally following US success
- The company has processed over 4 billion event contracts with most volume in Q3 2025
- Regulatory classification differs globally – US treats them as futures while other countries may classify as gambling
- Robinhood partners with CFTC-regulated Kalshi and operates on traditional financial rails, not blockchain
- Strong international demand from UK and European users is driving the expansion plans
Robinhood is preparing to launch its prediction markets platform in the UK and Europe after seeing strong adoption in the United States. The trading app has started regulatory discussions to bring event-based trading contracts to international users.
The company launched its Prediction Markets Hub in 2025 through a partnership with Kalshi. The platform lets users trade contracts on real-world events including interest rate decisions and sports results. Now Robinhood wants to replicate this success overseas.
JB Mackenzie leads futures and international operations at Robinhood. He confirmed the company is talking with the UK Financial Conduct Authority about launching locally. European markets are also under consideration due to high user demand.
The numbers support the expansion strategy. CEO Vlad Tenev revealed Robinhood has processed more than 4 billion event contracts. Over half of that trading volume happened in Q3 2025 alone.
Regulatory Challenges Across Markets
The main obstacle involves how different countries classify prediction markets. US regulators treat these products as futures contracts under CFTC oversight. Other jurisdictions may view them as gambling products instead.
This creates uncertainty about which regulatory bodies would supervise the service. Mackenzie told Bloomberg the company is asking UK regulators where swap oversight would fall. The answer will determine how Robinhood structures its UK product.
Europe presents additional complexity. Each country maintains separate rules for event-based trading. Robinhood must ensure compliance across multiple regulatory frameworks before launching.
The company operates its prediction markets on traditional finance infrastructure. Contracts execute through Kalshi and settle in US dollars. This differs from blockchain-based competitors in the crypto space.
Competition from Decentralized Platforms
Polymarket dominates the decentralized prediction markets sector. The Polygon-based platform processed billions in trading volume during 2024. Activity peaked around the US presidential election in November.
Polymarket uses smart contracts for automated trading and payouts. Users can bet on political races, economic data and sports outcomes. Recent reports valued the company at $9 billion, up from $1 billion months earlier.
Robinhood’s regulated approach offers a different model. The platform provides access through familiar brokerage accounts and traditional payment methods. This could appeal to users who prefer established financial services.
The company remains active in crypto through separate products. Robinhood offers digital asset trading and is developing tokenized stock offerings. The prediction markets product adds another revenue stream.
International expansion would open event trading to millions of new users. UK and European customers would gain access to regulated prediction markets. Robinhood has not announced specific launch dates but regulatory talks are underway.
The company aims to launch globally while maintaining regulatory compliance. Mackenzie emphasized this as a core focus for international rollout. Success will depend on navigating different legal frameworks across markets.
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