So what does price slippage actually mean?
When it comes to prediction markets, there are a lot of different vocabulary that’s just chucked around. If you’re not in the know, then it can all become very confusing very quickly. Price slippage is one of those terms where you either know what it means or you don’t. But after reading this guide, you’ll definitely be in the former category.
When we talk about price slippage in CFTC regulated prediction markets, we’re specifically talking about the difference between the expected price of a contract when you place the order and then the price that actually goes through. It’s not something that happens all the time, but things like rapid price volatility or low liquidity can both be factors.
What are the different types of price slippage?
For the most part, price slippage is considered to be a bad thing, but this all depends on the type of slippage that occurs. At prediction markets you can get positive slippage and negative slippage, whether you’re trading on Polymarket 15 minute markets or any other topic. Even from the names I’m sure you can guess which one is good and which one’s bad!
📈 Positive Slippage
This basically means that you get a better price than you thought that you would. For example, let’s say that you trade on the contract for Spain winning the World Cup. when you put the order through the price per contract was $0.60, but when it actually went through, it was $0.55. Technically, you’ve got a better deal here because the price per contract was lower, which means your potential profit is higher.
📉 Negative Slippage
This is essentially the opposite of everything I’ve just described above. So let’s imagine you’ve put an order through to trade on the same contract (Spain to win the World Cup) at $0.60 per contract. But then, somewhere between you confirming the order and it actually going through, the price rises to $0.65. So this would mean that you’re paying more per contract than you intended to - not good.
Our top three prediction markets
Here’s our top three prediction markets for you to check out.
| Prediction Market | Best Feature |
| Polymarket | Comprehensive selection of topics |
| Kalshi | Highly accessible with impressive trading features |
| Crypto.com | Perfect for crypto market predictions |
Polymarket: The most popular prediction markets
Polymarket In A Nutshell
Polymarket is a fantastic prediction market and actually one of the most popular sites amongst traders. I’d challenge you to find a topic that Polymarket doesn’t have because they actually seem to have everything. Whether you want to trade Polymarket crypto markets, sports, politics, cultural events, tech they’ve got loads of options for you.
The site itself is super easy to use and the search bar makes finding your specific topic a breeze. If you’re not sure what you’d like to trade on, then just use the horizontal menu to have a look through the different topics available.
Kalshi: A great all rounder
Kalshi In A Nutshell
Kalshi is probably the next most popular site compared to Polymarket, with loads of great features. And not only that, but there are topics with literally hundreds of markets to trade on. At Kalshi you’ll find everything from ‘Who will attend Taylor Swift’s wedding?’ to ‘Which AI Company will IPO before 2027?’.
The mobile site is just as good, providing all of the same features and usability but in a more accessible way. Whether you’ve got an Apple or Android device - or something else, because you’re just super unique - then you’ll be able to load Kalshi up in any browser and start trading. Just keep in mind that these trades may come with Kalshi fees.
Crypto.com: Great for crypto-focused trades
Crypto.com In A Nutshell
As the name implies, Crypto.com is very well known for its crypto trade. So if this is a topic that you’re interested in, this is the site for you. Saying that, Crypto.com also has plenty of other markets to trade contracts on like tech and sports. The cool thing about Crypto.com is that it's been designed as a mobile first site, and the mobile app is fantastic. This means that you can take your trades wherever you like, as long as you’ve got an internet connection.
Sponsored by Crypto.com – Not investment advice. Trading prediction markets and crypto involves risk, including potential loss of your stake. Consider your risk tolerance before participating. Crypto.com connects U.S. users to CDNA (regulated by CFTC) for derivatives trading. CDNA membership required. Trading may not be suitable for all—you could lose your entire investment plus fees. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. This is not a solicitation or recommendation to trade.
Pros and cons price slippage in prediction markets
- You could get a better price for your trade
- Orders get filled very quickly
- Market is more efficient
- Could end up paying more for a trade
Conclusion - Price slippage could be good or bad
Well now you know that price slippage is the difference of a contract price between the moment you confirm your order and when it actually goes through. This isn’t like online shopping, there’s always a delay between sending your order and it being processed. Positive slippage is pretty good because it means you’re getting a better price and a bigger potential profit. Negative slippage on the other hand, not so good as you’re going to be paying more per contract.
Click the links for Kalshi, Polymarket and Crypto.com in our page banners if you’re looking to get started.
Price slippage prediction markets FAQs
What does price slippage in prediction markets mean?
It just refers to the difference in price between you trading on a contract and the order going through. These transactions don’t happen instantly, so there’s always a window where the price could change.
Is price slippage in prediction markets a good thing?
Well this all depends on the type of slippage you experience! Positive slippage is a good thing because it means you end up paying less for your contracts, extending your potential profit.
What is positive price slippage at prediction markets?
Negative slippage is basically the opposite of positive slippage, meaning that the price per contract has risen.
