DraftKings has introduced DKeX, a proprietary prediction markets exchange that will operate within the DraftKings: Sports & Casino app, marking a significant expansion of the company’s efforts in the growing prediction markets sector.
The new exchange is fully owned and operated by DraftKings and functions under a Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) license obtained through the company’s acquisition of Railbird Technologies. By bringing exchange operations in-house, DraftKings gains greater oversight of the technology, economics, and customer experience behind its prediction market offerings.
The launch arrives as prediction markets continue to attract attention from consumers and investors alike. DraftKings reported strong activity across its Predictions platform, particularly during the ongoing World Cup period, which has driven elevated trading levels.
New Exchange Integrated Into Unified App
DKeX has been incorporated directly into the company’s unified Sports & Casino app. DraftKings said the move allows it to rely on its own technology infrastructure rather than external exchange providers, reducing dependence on third-party services and enabling faster product development.
“DraftKings is at its best when building innovative platforms that bring together technology, customer focus, and world-class execution to shape the future of sports engagement,” said Jason Robins, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of DraftKings, in a company press release.
“The momentum we’ve seen on DraftKings Predictions in recent months reflects the significant progress we’ve made in delivering a more seamless and connected experience for sports fans. DKeX provides a vertically integrated foundation for DraftKings Predictions, strengthening our prediction markets content and capabilities, giving us greater control over the technology that powers those offerings, and enabling us to move faster as we continue enhancing our unified app.”
According to the company, ownership of the exchange infrastructure gives DraftKings more flexibility when developing event contracts, designing user experiences, and managing operating costs. Market observers note that future adoption rates and transaction activity may become important indicators of how prediction markets contribute to DraftKings’ broader business strategy.
DraftKings shares have experienced uneven performance despite the company’s product expansion efforts. The stock recently traded at $25.70 and remains down 27.9% since the start of the year and 40.1% over the past 12 months, although it has gained 4.8% during the last 30 days.
Trading Activity Accelerates During World Cup
The company reported substantial growth across DraftKings Predictions in recent months. For the week ending June 21, the platform generated approximately $11.3 billion in annualized total trading volume. During the same period, annualized consumer volume reached about $3.4 billion.
Earlier growth figures also reflected rising participation. Consumer trading volume exceeded $1 billion in April before increasing to $1.3 billion in May. Annualized trading volume climbed to $3.1 billion in May, representing a 34% increase from the previous month.
DraftKings expects activity to continue expanding through July. Company executives pointed to ongoing platform improvements, increased use of event contracts, growing interest in newly introduced features, and heightened engagement surrounding the World Cup as factors supporting future growth.
The prediction markets platform itself only launched in December 2025, making the recent trading figures particularly notable for a relatively new offering.
Product Expansion Drives User Engagement
A key component of DraftKings’ recent product development has been the rollout of Predictions Sports Combos, which allow users to combine multiple contracts into a single position. The company reported that more than 30% of customers have used the feature since its launch in mid-May.
“The launch of DKeX and its integration into our unified app is a major step forward in delivering a best-in-class customer experience in sports nationwide,” said Jeanine Hightower-Sellitto, DraftKings Senior Vice President and General Manager of Prediction Markets.
“The pace of development across Predictions has been substantial, from expanding our event contract offerings to introducing key features like combos, which customers have quickly embraced. DKeX is the latest milestone in that progression and creates new opportunities to further expand the offering ahead of some of the biggest moments on the sports calendar.”
DraftKings has steadily broadened the range of contracts available through its prediction markets platform. Recent additions include Major League Baseball player and futures contracts, No Runs First Inning (NRFI) baseball offerings, expanded NBA and NHL selections, and international sports events.
The platform also features dedicated hubs for major competitions such as the World Cup, enhanced pre-game and live statistical offerings, and a continuously updated Live tab that highlights events as they unfold in real time.
Prediction markets represent only one part of DraftKings’ wider portfolio, which also includes sports betting, casino gaming, lottery products, and daily fantasy sports. The company has been working to integrate most of these offerings into its broader all-in-one platform strategy.
During its first-quarter 2026 earnings call, Robins identified prediction markets as a major area of focus for the company. He also committed between $200 million and $300 million toward DraftKings Predictions before the end of the year.
The broader industry remains highly competitive. Prediction market leader Kalshi recently reported $5.1 billion in trading volume during the first week of the World Cup and has sought additional funding at a reported valuation of $40 billion.