
Meta develops Arena to challenge Polymarket
- Meta is reportedly building a prediction market platform called Arena to compete with Polymarket and Kalshi.
- The initial version is expected to use a points-based system rather than real-money wagering.
- The project arrives as institutional interest in prediction markets grows alongside increasing regulatory scrutiny.
Meta Platforms has reportedly formed a dedicated team to develop Arena, a prediction market platform designed to compete with established operators including Polymarket and Kalshi.
According to The New York Times, the project is currently being built around a points-based system, though the possibility of introducing real-money wagering remains under consideration.
People familiar with the matter told The New York Times that Arena is expected to operate independently from Meta’s existing products, including Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp.
Meta reportedly plans to use its social media ecosystem to direct users toward the new platform as part of a broader effort to develop products linked to emerging online trends.
The development comes as traditional financial firms increase their involvement in prediction markets, with Charles Schwab and Cboe Global Markets recently collaborating on event-linked trading products; following the report Meta shares were unchanged and no immediate market reaction was disclosed.
Prediction markets have attracted growing interest from investors seeking tools for forecasting, speculation and risk management, while platforms such as Polymarket and Kalshi have expanded their user bases.
At the same time, the sector faces regulatory pressure in multiple jurisdictions, including scrutiny from US state regulators, restrictions in India and investigations into prediction market activity in South Korea.