> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://polymarketguide.gitbook.io/polymarketguide/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://polymarketguide.gitbook.io/polymarketguide/basics/what-is-polymarket.md). # What Is Polymarket? Polymarket is the world's largest prediction market platform, where you trade on **future events**. Instead of stocks or commodities, you trade on the **outcomes of real-world questions**. Polymarket does this through a type of asset called **event contracts**. ### What Are Event Contracts? Event contracts are yes-or-no trades on whether something will happen. Each contract pays **$1 if the event occurs and 0¢ if it does not**. For example, a market might ask, *Who will win the New York City Mayoral Election?* If you buy Zohran Mamdani at **87¢** and he wins, each share pays **$1**. If he loses, the share pays **$0**. You can trade shares with other users until the outcome is known. Instead of speculating on whether a stock price will rise or fall, you are trading on whether an event takes place. ### Why Trade on Polymarket? Polymarket covers a wide range of topics: * **Politics**: Who will win the presidency? Which party will control Congress? * **Economy**: Will the Fed cut rates? Will the U.S. enter a recession in 2025? * **Crypto**: What price will Bitcoin reach in December? Will Metamask launch a token in 2025? * **Culture**: Who will be the top Spotify artist in 2025? Who will win the Nobel Peace Prize? ### Bet on Your Beliefs Polymarket turns knowledge and opinions into trades: * **Sports fans** can trade on NFL games and season outcomes. * **Politics watchers** can trade on elections and debates. * **Crypto traders** can speculate on Bitcoin prices and token launches. * **News followers** can trade on cultural events and major headlines. **If your prediction is right, you profit.**