Betting on prediction markets has exploded over past two years
Value of bets soars from $100mn to $13bn a month
Value of bets soars from $100mn to $13bn a month

Prediction markets are the latest example of a disruptive new industry smacking into problems incumbents have long understood

Insider bets, low liquidity and regulatory gaps complicate efforts to turn wagers into financial tools

Financial gamification has upended traditional patterns of trust and oversight

They can send wrong signals when trading is illiquid or when herd behaviour takes hold

Fights over regulation could reshape the US federal system of government

But it relies on a host of rosy assumptions going in investors’ favour