How to Use Polymarket
Master prediction market trading in just 10 minutes. From account setup to placing your first bet, we've got you covered.
🎯 Perfect for beginners - no crypto experience required
What is Polymarket?
Polymarket is a decentralized prediction market platform where you can trade on the outcomes of real-world events using USDC cryptocurrency.
Prediction Markets
Trade on the outcomes of elections, sports, crypto prices, and more. Buy YES or NO shares based on your predictions.
USDC Trading
All trades use USDC stablecoin on the Polygon network. 1 USDC = 1 USD, making it easy to understand your positions.
Decentralized
Built on blockchain technology for transparency. Market resolutions are determined by decentralized oracles.
24/7 Markets
Trade anytime, anywhere. Markets are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to start trading on Polymarket:
Step 1: Create Your Account
Visit polymarket.com and click 'Sign Up'. You can register with your email, Google account, or connect a crypto wallet like MetaMask directly.
Step 2: Connect a Wallet
If you signed up with email, Polymarket creates a wallet for you. For more control, connect MetaMask or another Ethereum-compatible wallet.
Step 3: Deposit USDC
Fund your account with USDC on the Polygon network. You can buy USDC directly with a card or transfer from an exchange like Coinbase.
Step 4: Browse Markets
Explore available markets in categories like Politics, Sports, Crypto, and Pop Culture. Each market shows current odds and trading volume.
Step 5: Place Your First Bet
Select a market, choose YES or NO, enter your amount, and confirm the trade. Your shares will appear in your portfolio.
Step 6: Monitor & Trade
Track your positions in real-time. You can sell shares before resolution to lock in profits or cut losses.
Key Concepts to Understand
Master these concepts to trade like a pro:
Share Prices = Probability
A YES share at $0.65 means the market thinks there's a 65% chance of that outcome. Shares range from $0.01 to $0.99.
Winning Pays $1.00
If your prediction is correct, each share becomes worth $1.00 USDC. Wrong predictions are worth $0.
Trade Before Resolution
You don't have to wait for the event. Sell your shares anytime as odds change to realize profits early.
Low Fees on Polygon
Polymarket uses the Polygon network for fast, cheap transactions. Gas fees are typically less than $0.01.
Liquidity Matters
Higher volume markets have better liquidity, meaning easier entry/exit and tighter spreads.
Market Resolution
When an event concludes, markets are resolved by UMA oracles. Winning shares are automatically converted to USDC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about using Polymarket:
Ready to Start Trading?
Use our profit calculator to plan your first trade, or explore current market opportunities.