Manifold

Manifold is a social prediction market that uses play money called Mana. New users start with M1,000. Mana can't be converted to cash. You can buy more Mana if you want, but you don't have to.

Anyone can create a market on Manifold. That's the main difference from regulated exchanges, where the exchange writes every contract. The result is questions no exchange would list.

You earn more Mana in a few documented ways. Prediction streaks pay M5 a day, rising to M25. Creating a market pays M100. Referrals and phone verification pay M1,000 each. There are also daily free loans of 1–3% of your position value, so your Mana isn't all locked up in long markets.

Manifold used to run real-money sweepstakes. It ended them on Mar 28, 2025 to focus on Mana. Its about page mentions free-entry USDC prize drawings. Winners need a crypto wallet.

Because no real money is at stake, it's a safe place to learn how prediction markets work: how prices move, why resolution rules matter, and how your own forecasts hold up. Prices on small markets with few traders can be noisy, so don't read too much into them.

You must be 13 or older. Minors need a parent or guardian's permission and supervision. Secondary sources report it's open globally with no ID checks for play money.

Beginners and forecasters who want practice with no cash at risk, and people who want to ask their own questions.

Skip it if you want real-money markets or prices backed by a regulated exchange.

Free. You start with M1,000 play money. Buying more Mana is optional. Mana can't be cashed out. Real-money sweepstakes ended Mar 28, 2025. Source: manifold.markets/about, Manifold's FAQ and terms, checked Oct 14, 2026. Check the official site.

• Free, with M1,000 to start and no money at risk.
• Anyone can create a market, and doing so pays M100, so you can forecast questions no exchange lists.
• Streaks, referrals, phone verification and daily loans keep you supplied with Mana without paying.
• A good way to learn resolution rules and price moves before using a real-money venue.
• Mana can't be cashed out, so there's no pressure to chase losses with real money.

• Play money only. The prices don't carry the weight of real-money markets.
• Small markets can have few traders and noisy prices.
• User-made markets vary in quality, so read the resolution rules closely.
• Prize drawings pay in USDC and need a crypto wallet, which adds steps for anyone outside crypto.

Manifold vs Kalshi. Kalshi is a real-money, CFTC-regulated exchange with professionally written contracts and state legal limits. Manifold is free play money with user-made markets and no cash-out. For learning, Manifold is the obvious start: same mechanics, no risk. For prices that real money backs, Kalshi is the one. Many people will use Manifold to practice and never need anything else.

1. Read the about page and FAQ at manifold.markets.
2. Sign up. You start with M1,000 play money.
3. Verify your phone if you want the M1,000 bonus.
4. Pick a market and read its resolution rules first.
5. Try creating a simple market of your own (it pays M100).