Meta Platforms Plans “Arena” Prediction Market App Targeting 3.5 Billion Users
NYT•Meta Platforms plans to launch “Arena,” a standalone prediction market app using a video game–style points system and targeting its 3.5 billion daily users, with the option to introduce real-money wagers later. The app will operate independently from Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp to draw traffic across Meta’s social network portfolio.
1. Meta Unveils ‘Arena’ Prediction Market App
Meta Platforms has assigned a top-priority team to develop “Arena,” a smartphone app that allows users to place predictions on event outcomes using a video game–style points system. The app is built as a distinct product outside of existing social apps and may eventually support real-money wagers.
2. Leveraging Massive Social Audience
Meta intends to drive users from Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp—platforms with over 3.5 billion daily active users—into Arena, using in-app referrals and notification campaigns to seed early engagement and build liquidity in its prediction markets.
3. Competitive Landscape and Future Plans
Arena joins a growing field of prediction-market platforms like Polymarket, Kalshi, Robinhood and DraftKings. Meta’s prior experiment, Forecast, used a points system in 2020 but was shuttered in 2022; the new app reflects a renewed focus on blending gaming mechanics with potential real-money markets.
