> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.polymarket.us/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# What is Polymarket US?

Polymarket US is a CFTC-regulated exchange for trading event contracts on real-world outcomes. Each market asks a clear yes/no question about something that might happen, and prices reflect how likely traders think the outcome is.

## Polymarket vs Polymarket US

**Polymarket** is our international, crypto-based product that operates on blockchain technology.

**Polymarket US** is a fiat-based, US-regulated platform operating as a designated contract market (DCM) and derivatives clearing organization (DCO) under CFTC oversight. All trading is conducted in US dollars with full regulatory compliance.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Polymarket International" icon="globe" href="https://polymarket.com">
    Crypto-based product on blockchain technology.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Polymarket US" icon="mobile" href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/polymarket/id6648798962">
    Fiat-based, CFTC-regulated exchange. Trades in USD. Built for US residents.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## What is a prediction market?

A prediction market is a place where people trade on the odds of future events. Prices reflect how the crowd views the likelihood of an outcome happening.

* A contract priced at **62¢** means the market thinks there is roughly a **62% chance** the event occurs
* Contracts settle at **\$1** if the outcome happens, or **\$0** if it does not
* You can buy or sell at any point before settlement - you don't have to hold to the end

Because prices are set entirely by real trades, they tend to track real-world probabilities closely.

***

## How contracts work

Each market on Polymarket US is a yes/no question about something that will happen in the future.

**Example**: *Will the Kansas City Chiefs win Super Bowl LX?*

| Scenario    | You buy YES at | Outcome | Contract settles at | Your profit       |
| ----------- | -------------- | ------- | ------------------- | ----------------- |
| Chiefs win  | 55¢            | YES     | \$1.00              | +45¢ per contract |
| Chiefs lose | 55¢            | NO      | \$0.00              | -55¢ per contract |

You can also sell your position at any time before the outcome is known. If the odds move in your favor, you can lock in a profit early without waiting for settlement.

***

## What can you trade?

Polymarket US currently offers markets on:

* NFL
* NBA
* NHL
* MLB
* MLS
* CBB
* Tennis, golf, and more

Politics, culture, finance, and economics coming soon.

***

## How is Polymarket US different from a sportsbook?

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="You trade against other users, not the house">
    Polymarket US operates a central limit order book. Your order is matched against another user's order. The platform does not take the other side of your trades and does not set prices.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="You can exit your position at any time">
    Unlike a sportsbook where your trade is locked in, you can sell your contracts before the event resolves. If sentiment shifts and prices move in your favor, you can close out early and take profits.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Prices reflect collective market opinion">
    Odds on Polymarket US come from real trades. As new information becomes available, traders adjust their orders and prices update in real time - just like a financial market.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="It is regulated as a derivatives exchange">
    Polymarket US operates under CFTC oversight as a designated contract market. Event contracts are a regulated financial instrument.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>