IG Group Plans UK Prediction Markets Launch Before the End of 2026
United Kingdom.- 23 October 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com IG Group, the British financial trading and investment services company, has announced plans to enter the UK prediction markets sector during the fourth quarter of 2026.
The initiative was outlined on 22 October 2026, during a Capital Markets Event at which the company presented its growth strategy to investors.
The project will initially introduce financial event contracts for professional clients, followed by a planned expansion into politics, entertainment and sports prediction markets in early 2027.
A Platform Combining Trading, Crypto and Predictions
The new offering will be led by IG Consumer, the group’s consumer financial services division.
Michael Healy, CEO of IG Consumer, explained that the company intends to bring several product categories together within a unified technology platform.
The service will combine:
- Traditional trading and investment products.
- Cryptocurrency trading.
- Financial prediction contracts.
- Political, sporting and entertainment markets, subject to regulatory approval.
IG Group believes there is growing demand for prediction market products among UK consumers.
Initial Launch Expected in the Fourth Quarter
IG Group expects to introduce its first financial prediction markets during Q4 2026.
The initial offering will target UK professional clients.
The company subsequently plans to broaden its range to include contracts linked to political events, entertainment and sport during the first months of 2027.
An exact launch date has not yet been confirmed, and the expansion will depend on applicable regulatory requirements.
IG Group Applies for a Gambling Licence
One of the most significant aspects of the initiative is IG Group’s decision to apply for a licence from the UK Gambling Commission.
The company submitted its application in October ahead of its planned expansion into products that may fall within the scope of gambling legislation.
This approach differs from the regulatory model adopted by several US prediction market platforms.
While Kalshi and Polymarket maintain that their event contracts are financial instruments, IG Group is preparing to operate within the UK’s gambling regulatory framework where required.
Its proposed activities could therefore involve oversight from:
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA): the UK’s financial services regulator.
- Gambling Commission: the authority responsible for regulating gambling and betting activities.
Underdog Acquisition Supports Expansion
IG Group’s prediction markets strategy is connected to its agreement to acquire Underdog, the US fantasy sports and prediction markets business.
Announced in July 2026, the transaction involves an initial enterprise valuation of approximately US$1.1 billion, alongside potential additional performance-related payments.
The acquisition remains subject to the relevant approvals.
Underdog has developed expertise in sports-related event contracts and operates across numerous US states.
IG Group expects to draw on this experience to strengthen its international operations.
Comments from IG Group’s CEO
Breon Corcoran, CEO of IG Group, highlighted the growing convergence of trading, investing and entertainment.
He explained that the company’s strategy focuses on broadening its products, strengthening its brands and improving operational efficiency.
The group views prediction markets as an opportunity to diversify its revenue sources and expand customer engagement.
IG Group is also preparing a UK advertising campaign for November, with planned exposure on television channels including Sky Sports.
Next Steps and Industry Impact
IG Group is also progressing with plans to move its corporate domicile to Jersey, with completion expected in late 2026 or early 2027.
The company believes prediction markets will enable it to diversify its offering and participate in an increasingly prominent international sector.
For the iGaming industry, the initiative represents a significant development as a major British financial services company prepares to enter markets linked to sporting events.
The launch could also contribute to the ongoing debate surrounding prediction market regulation and the distinction between financial event contracts and traditional betting.
Editó: @fonta
