Prediction Markets in New Zealand 2026
5 prediction market platforms available in New Zealand. Compare fees, regulation and features.
🇳🇿 Prediction Markets in New Zealand
New Zealand has a relatively permissive approach to prediction markets. PredictIt was originally developed by Victoria University of Wellington, giving it deep Kiwi roots. Polymarket is accessible via crypto wallets, and play-money platforms like Manifold are fully available. The FMA has not issued specific guidance on prediction markets, though crypto service providers are subject to AML/CFT obligations. New Zealand's iPredict was a pioneering regulated prediction market before closing in 2015.
⚠️ Check Your Local Laws
Prediction market legality varies by country and region. This page is for informational purposes only. Always verify that a platform is legally accessible in New Zealand before depositing funds. Sento does not provide legal or financial advice.
Available in 🇳🇿 New Zealand
5 platforms you can use from New Zealand.
Polymarket
World's largest prediction market
Trade on politics, crypto, sports and current events using USDC on Polygon. The #1 prediction market by volume with deep liquidity and a slick interface.
• Largest liquidity pool globally
• No KYC for small amounts
• Real-money USDC markets
• Excellent mobile app
• Deep market variety
• Not available to US residents
• Crypto-only deposits (USDC)
• No fiat on-ramp built in
Metaculus
Community forecasting platform
A forecasting platform focused on science, technology and geopolitics. Free to use with reputation-based scoring — great for learning prediction skills.
• Free to use
• Available worldwide
• Excellent for learning forecasting
• Strong community and track record
• No real-money trading
• Reputation-only rewards
• Smaller market selection
PredictIt
Political prediction market
A university-run political prediction market with a long track record. Winding down new markets but still active for existing contracts.
• Long track record
• USD deposits
• Simple interface
• Winding down operations
• 10% profit withdrawal fee
• Low liquidity on many markets
• Limited to politics
Manifold
Play-money prediction market
Create and trade on any question using play money (mana). Great for learning, community building and exploring niche topics.
• Available everywhere
• Anyone can create markets
• Huge variety of topics
• Great for beginners
• Active community
• Play money only (mana)
• No real financial returns
• Market quality varies
Azuro
Decentralised prediction protocol
A decentralised prediction and betting protocol built on multiple blockchains. Provides infrastructure for prediction market dApps.
• Fully decentralised
• Multiple frontend apps available
• Good for sports predictions
• No KYC required
• Requires crypto knowledge
• Not beginner-friendly
• Liquidity varies by frontend
Quick Comparison — New Zealand
| Feature | 📊 Polymarket | 🔬 Metaculus | 🏛️ PredictIt | 🎲 Manifold | ⚡ Azuro |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.3/5 | 3.8/5 | 4.2/5 | 4/5 |
| Fees | No trading fees (spread-based) | Free | 10% on profits + 5% withdrawal | Free | Varies by frontend |
| Min Deposit | $1 USDC | Free | $5 | Free | Varies |
| Regulation | Unregulated (offshore) | N/A (no real money) | CFTC no-action letter (expired) | N/A (play money) | Decentralised (unregulated) |
| Founded | 2020 | 2015 | 2014 | 2022 | 2022 |
| Payment | USDC | Free (no deposits) | Debit card | Free (play money) | Crypto wallets |
Sento may earn a commission when you sign up through our links. This does not affect our reviews or rankings. Prediction markets involve risk — you can lose money. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Always do your own research and check local regulations in New Zealand before participating. Content last updated March 2026.