Responsible trading

Prediction markets are real-money markets. They should be entertaining and intellectually interesting — and they can also be harmful if they stop being either. A few principles we stand behind:

Practical rules that work

• Set a tournament budget before June 11 — an amount whose total loss would change nothing about your life — and never top it up mid-tournament.
• Prices are probabilities, not promises. A 90¢ favorite loses 1 time in 10. Repeatedly.
• Never chase. The Acca Ladder and big slips compound wins — they also end. One loss ending a ladder is the design, not bad luck to be won back.
• No borrowed money, ever.
• Take breaks on match days. Live price swings are engineered excitement — that's exactly when discipline slips.

Warning signs

Trading with money meant for bills; hiding activity from people close to you; feeling compelled to win losses back; trading making you anxious instead of entertained. Any of these is the signal to stop — close the tab, cash out, withdraw.

Free, confidential help

• US: National Problem Gambling Helpline — 1-800-GAMBLER (call/text, 24/7) · ncpgambling.org
• UK: GamCare — gamcare.org.uk · 0808 8020 133 · BeGambleAware
• Worldwide: Gamblers Anonymous — gamblersanonymous.org

Under 18?

This site is not for you. The free Bracket Challenge included — come back in a few years.