Meta is building an experimental prediction market app called Arena that lets users forecast events in politics, sports and other areas using points instead of cash. The project is a top priority at the company and revives an earlier effort from 2020.
Meta is developing the app internally after Mark Zuckerberg ordered staff to pursue the initiative, according to people familiar with the matter.
Arena would allow forecasts on outcomes ranging from elections to entertainment and world affairs. Unlike cash-based platforms such as Polymarket and Kalshi, it relies on a video game-style points system, though real-money betting has not been ruled out.
The effort follows Meta’s earlier Forecast product, which ran from 2020 until it was discontinued in 2022. The company reported more than 3.5 billion users across its apps as of March.
Interest in prediction markets has risen sharply since the 2024 U.S. presidential election, drawing regulatory attention over whether such contracts constitute gambling.
