A week ago, it was reported that Polymarket, a prediction-market protocol, recently hit a $9 billion valuation following a large $2 billion investment.
Interestingly, data and analysis shows that a remarkably small fraction of users achieve consistent profits.
To rank within the top 0.51% by profit and loss, an individual must realize gains surpassing $1,000. Similarly, a trading volume exceeding $50,000 is required to be in the top 1.74% by that same metric. Also, simply executing 50 or more trades places a user ahead of 77% of the entire user base.
Two strategies driving profit
Right now, a strategy known as the “Endgame Sweep” is gaining attention. When an event outcome is nearly certain and market pricing is high (for instance, above 0.95), some users will buy in and wait for settlement to capture the remaining value.
The reason this works is because many small-time traders get nervous or impatient and sell their contracts just before the event settles, for prices like 0.997 or 0.999. This leaves a small profit window for big whale investors or bots, who can buy these cheap contracts and instantly collect the full value. Sometimes, these large players might even spread fear or manipulate the price to scare smaller traders into selling early.
Related: Polymarket Adds Bitcoin Deposits as Platform Targets $1 Billion Valuation
Another notable arbitrage opportunity arises in multi-outcome prediction markets, where the combined implied probability of all outcomes totals less than 100%. In this scenario, arbitrageurs can purchase positions in every possible outcome, and since one outcome is guaranteed to occur, this strategy locks in a risk-free profit from the market’s mispricing.
From prediction market to high-speed trading floor
People are starting to view Polymarket as less of a place for simple betting and more as a sophisticated trading ground where experts profit from tiny price differences and perfect timing.
The strategies used are similar to those in DeFi that rely on being faster than everyone else, spotting temporary imbalances in buy and sell orders, and getting trades executed first.
However, for the everyday user, this is a problem. It means they will often lose out to automated bots and high-speed trading systems, especially in fast-moving markets where being even a second slower can make a big difference.
Related: Polymarket Uses Chainlink to Deliver Near-Instant Market Outcomes
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is for informational and educational purposes only. The article does not constitute financial advice or advice of any kind. Coin Edition is not responsible for any losses incurred as a result of the utilization of content, products, or services mentioned. Readers are advised to exercise caution before taking any action related to the company.
