Meta is building a prediction markets app. These stocks are falling in response

The report said that CEO Mark Zuckerberg directed staff to develop a prediction market platform, internally known as “Arena.”

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  • Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has directed staff to build a prediction markets platform, a source confirmed to CNBC.
  • The New York Times was first to report the app’s development.
  • Stocks of sports gambling platforms DraftKings and FanDuel parent Flutter Entertainment fell in response.

Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta Platforms Inc., exits Los Angeles Superior Court in Los Angeles, California, Feb. 18, 2026.Kyle Grillot | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg has directed staff to create a prediction market platform, a source familiar with the company’s plans confirmed to CNBC.

The New York Times was first to report the development on Tuesday. 

The source also confirmed to CNBC that the prediction market app would not not use actual money to trade on the platform, a contrast to other prediction markets where traders use cash to speculate on future events.

The Times report said Meta’s app would instead rely on a video-game style points system, but that money may be used on the app in the future.

Two employees with knowledge of the plans told the Times the app — referred to internally as “Arena” — would be separate from Meta’s social media platforms, Instagram and Facebook. Meta would seek to leverage its Facebook and Instagram user base to direct potential traders to the platform, the report said. 

The company declined a request to comment from CNBC.

Stock Chart IconStock chart iconhide contentDraftKings shares Tuesday

Sports betting platform DraftKings fell more than 2% after the report was released, reaching its low of the day. The stock was last down 1%. FanDuel parent Flutter Entertainment also fell nearly 2% after the report, but was still positive on the day. 

Flutter and DraftKings have both struggled over the past year on worries about how prediction market platforms — which offer sports-related event contracts — could disrupt their sports gambling businesses. 

Trading platform Robinhood, which offers contracts from various prediction market platforms, also declined after the Times report. 

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