Kraken parent Payward leads $20M Series A in sports prediction market Onyx Odds

Payward, the parent company of cryptocurrency exchange Kraken, has led a $20 million Series A funding round for Onyx Odds, a prediction market application that allows users to trade outcomes of sporting events like financial instruments. The round values Onyx Odds at $220 million, according to a report by The Block, marking a significant valuation less than two years after the app’s launch and under a year since it exited beta.

What is Onyx Odds and how does it work?

Onyx Odds operates as a prediction market platform, moving beyond traditional sports betting by enabling users to buy and sell shares in the outcome of sporting events. This exchange-based model treats each event outcome as a tradable asset, with prices fluctuating based on supply and demand. The platform aims to provide a more transparent and liquid market for sports predictions, similar to how financial exchanges operate for stocks or commodities.

Why this matters for the crypto and sports betting industries

The involvement of Payward, a major player in the crypto exchange space, signals growing convergence between digital asset infrastructure and prediction markets. This funding round highlights investor confidence in the model, which blends elements of decentralized finance (DeFi) with regulated sports wagering. The $220 million valuation, achieved in a short timeframe, suggests that Onyx Odds has quickly captured market attention, though the platform operates in a regulatory gray area that could face future scrutiny from sports betting and securities regulators.

Market implications and regulatory context

Prediction markets have historically faced legal challenges in the United States, with platforms like PredictIt operating under specific exemptions. Onyx Odds’ exchange-based approach may invite questions about whether its contracts constitute securities or gambling instruments. The funding comes at a time when several U.S. states are expanding legal sports betting, but also when regulators are increasing oversight of crypto-related financial products. For investors and users, the platform offers a novel way to engage with sports outcomes, but the legal landscape remains uncertain.

Conclusion

The $20 million Series A round led by Payward positions Onyx Odds as a notable player in the evolving intersection of crypto infrastructure and sports prediction markets. While the platform’s rapid growth and high valuation indicate strong market interest, its long-term success will depend on navigating regulatory challenges and proving the sustainability of its exchange-based model. For now, the funding represents a significant bet on the future of decentralized sports wagering.

FAQs

Q1: What is Onyx Odds?
Onyx Odds is a prediction market application that allows users to trade the outcomes of sporting events like financial instruments on an exchange, rather than placing traditional sports bets.

Q2: Who led the $20 million Series A funding round?
Payward, the parent company of the cryptocurrency exchange Kraken, led the Series A round. The round values Onyx Odds at $220 million.

Q3: Is Onyx Odds legal in the United States?
The legal status of prediction markets like Onyx Odds is complex and varies by jurisdiction. The platform operates in a regulatory gray area that could be subject to future oversight from sports betting and securities regulators.