Polymarket, the crypto-driven prediction market, has introduced support for bitcoin deposits, allowing users to directly fund their accounts with BTC along with other cryptocurrency options.
This development coincides with bitcoin’s recent surge to record highs above $126,000, currently trading around $124,300, highlighting a rising demand for crypto-based funding options on prediction platforms.
Over the past two years, Polymarket has captured global attention, establishing itself as the largest prediction market where users trade shares linked to the outcomes of real-world events — essentially wagering on future possibilities.
Traders on Polymarket are optimistic about the bitcoin price. Approximately 83% of participants currently forecast that bitcoin will reach $130,000 this year, while 52% and 35% are betting on $140,000 and $150,000, respectively. Overall long-term betting volume has surpassed $30.6 million.
Polymarket also accommodates other cryptocurrencies and stablecoins such as USDC, USDT, Ethereum, Polygon, and Solana.
NYSE parent eyes significant investment
Adding an element of institutional intrigue, the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), which owns the New York Stock Exchange, is reportedly considering a $2 billion investment in Polymarket. If finalized, the deal could value the platform between $8 billion and $10 billion, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Shayne Coplan, the 27-year-old founder of Polymarket, has become the youngest self-made billionaire following this investment, as reported by Bloomberg. Just a few years ago, Coplan was an NYU dropout developing Polymarket from his bathroom after becoming intrigued by the possibilities of prediction markets.
Polymarket has already drawn interest from prominent investors, including 1789 Capital, associated with Donald Trump Jr., and acquired derivatives exchange QCEX for $112 million, obtaining a U.S. CFTC license in the process.
Polymarket’s expansion follows overcoming significant regulatory challenges. In 2022, the CFTC fined the platform $1.4 million for operating without registration, and the Department of Justice carried out an investigation that concluded in 2025.
Founded in 2020, Polymarket gained momentum during the 2024 U.S. presidential elections and has since incorporated Chainlink oracles for price-focused contracts, launched earnings markets with U.S. clearance, and competes with regulated rivals like Kalshi.
