Polymarket: The crypto prediction market giant

Polymarket is a decentralized prediction market platform that allows users to speculate on the outcome of global events. Whether it’s election results, financial asset price movements, or lighter topics related to popular culture, the platform transforms every event into a trading opportunity.

By purchasing shares for a “Yes” or “No” outcome, users bet on the probability of an event occurring. The share price, ranging between $0.01 and $0.99, reflects the market’s perceived probability. If the event occurs, shares in the correct outcome are worth $1 each; otherwise, they lose all value.

Operating on the Polygon blockchain, Polymarket guarantees fast and low-cost transactions while offering enhanced transparency and security compared to traditional systems. Let’s explore today how to bet on this platform!

Step 1: Connect and deposit funds on Polymarket

To start betting on Polymarket, the first step is to create an account and fund it. The process is designed to be simple and accessible.

Create an account in 5 steps: Tutorial

• Visit Polymarket’s official website
• Click the “Sign Up” button in the top right corner

• Choose your connection method:
  • By email: Enter your email address and create a password (a wallet will be automatically created for you)
  • With your wallet: Connect your existing wallet by clicking “Connect Wallet” (compatible with MetaMask, Rabby, Phantom, and many others)
• If you chose the email method, validate your address by clicking the link received
• Your account is now created and ready to be funded!

Let’s now see how to deposit funds to bet on the platform.

Deposit funds in 5 steps: Tutorial

• Log in to your Polymarket account
• Click “Deposit” in the main menu

• Select your preferred deposit method:
  • By credit card: Enter your card details and desired amount (automatic conversion to USDC)
  • From an external wallet: Copy the Polygon deposit address on Polymarket and send your USDC from your wallet (MetaMask, Trust Wallet, Rabby, Phantom, etc.)
  • From Coinbase: Connect your Coinbase account and transfer your USDC
• Confirm the transaction and wait for blockchain confirmation (usually a few seconds)
• Your funds appear in your balance and you can start trading

Important note: The currency used on the platform is USDC, a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar. Transactions are conducted on the Polygon network to ensure reduced fees and optimal speed.

Step 2: Betting on Polymarket

Once your account is funded, you’re ready to explore the markets and place your first bet. Polymarket’s interface presents a multitude of markets on various topics. Take time to browse through categories (politics, crypto, economics, etc.) to find an event that sparks your interest and for which you believe you have good understanding.

By selecting a market, you’ll see two possible outcomes: “Yes” and “No”, each with a corresponding share price. This price represents the current probability of the outcome. For example, if a “Yes” share costs $0.60, the market estimates there’s a 60% chance the event will occur. If you agree with this prediction or think the probability is undervalued, you can buy “Yes” shares. If you think otherwise, you’ll buy “No” shares.

Simply choose your side, specify the amount you wish to invest, and confirm the transaction.

Step 3: Track your bets on Polymarket

After placing your bets, it’s crucial to actively monitor your positions. Polymarket offers a “Portfolio” section or dashboard where all your investments are listed. This interface allows you to view in real time the current value of your shares, which fluctuates based on the evolution of probabilities perceived by the market.

One of Polymarket’s great advantages is that you don’t have to wait for the final resolution of the event. If the value of shares you hold has increased and you want to secure your profits, you can sell them at any time to another user. Similarly, if you think your bet is going poorly, you can sell your shares to limit your losses.

This active trading functionality adds an additional strategic dimension to the platform.

Step 4: Withdraw your winnings on Polymarket

The most anticipated moment is of course reaping the rewards of your correct predictions. When the event you bet on concludes, the market is “resolved.” If you bet on the correct outcome, your shares are now worth $1 each.

Collect and withdraw your winnings: Tutorial

• Access your “Portfolio” or “My Positions” section on Polymarket

• Identify resolved markets where you hold winning shares (marked as “Resolved”)
• Click “Redeem” to convert your winning shares into USDC. This operation is instant and fee-free
• Verify that your USDC has been credited to your available balance
• Click “Withdraw” in the main menu
• Choose your withdrawal method:
  • To your Polymarket wallet: Select “Withdraw to Wallet” and confirm in your wallet
  • To another wallet: Enter the amount and destination Polygon address (verify the network carefully), then confirm the transaction
  • To Coinbase: Connect your Coinbase account and transfer your USDC
• Verify that your USDC has arrived in your destination wallet

Tip: Network fees (gas fees) on Polygon are generally very low (a few cents), but they can vary depending on network congestion. To save on fees, batch your withdrawals rather than making several small transactions.

Tips for getting started with betting on Polymarket

Diving into prediction markets can be both exciting and intimidating. To maximize your chances of success on Polymarket, here are five essential tips.

First, do your own research (DYOR); don’t rely solely on the majority opinion and analyze the bet topic in depth. Second, fully understand the resolution rules for each market, as subtle details can determine the outcome. Third, rigorously manage your capital: never bet more than you’re willing to lose and diversify your bets.

Fourth, start with small stakes to familiarize yourself with the platform’s dynamics without taking excessive risks. Finally, keep your emotions in check; trading on prediction markets should be based on rational analysis and not on impulses or personal biases.

Do you have to pay taxes on winnings?

The question of taxation of cryptocurrency gains is paramount for any investor in Europe. Gains made on Polymarket are no exception and must be declared. The tax situation varies from country to country, but a general trend is emerging.

In France, for example, capital gains from the sale of digital assets are subject to a flat tax of 30%, or optionally, to the progressive income tax scale. In Belgium, taxation depends on the nature of the activity: gains may be considered as “miscellaneous income” taxed at 33%, or as professional income if the activity is regular and organized.

It is therefore imperative to learn about the legislation in force in your country of tax residence. Keeping a precise record of all your transactions (purchases, sales, gains) is essential for making a correct declaration and avoiding any problems with tax authorities.

Why use Polymarket today?

Beyond the speculative aspect, Polymarket offers unique advantages that make it a powerful tool in 2026. The first advantage lies in its ability to provide real-time probabilities that are often more accurate than traditional polls or expert analyses. By aggregating the collective wisdom of thousands of participants who have a direct financial interest in the accuracy of their prediction, the platform becomes an alternative source of information of great value.

The second major advantage is its decentralized and accessible nature. Unlike traditional betting platforms, Polymarket is open to everyone, without geographical barriers or censorship risks from a central operator. Blockchain technology ensures total transparency of transactions and game rules, creating a trust environment where users are sovereign.

Finally, Polymarket represents a new form of intellectual and financial engagement. It’s not just about betting, but about monetizing your own expertise and analytical ability on an infinity of subjects. The platform encourages research, critical thinking, and constant information monitoring. For curious minds and savvy analysts, it’s a unique opportunity to test their convictions, refine their prediction models, and compete against a global marketplace of ideas.