How to choose your first event contract

What is an event contract?

An event contract lets you trade on a real-world outcome using a simple yes-or-no question. It could be something like "Will the Fed raise interest rates this month?" or "Will Team A win the championship?" If your prediction is right, you get paid (less fees). If you're wrong, you lose the amount you paid to enter the contract (including fees).

You can get started with as little as $1, which makes it an accessible way to try prediction trading without committing a lot of money. Every contract has a fixed payout, and you’ll see your results shortly after the event’s outcome is confirmed.

One of the unique features of Crypto.com Predict is the ability to exit a contract before the event concludes. That means you can lock in a partial profit or limit your potential loss, depending on how the probabilities shift.

Event contracts are designed around outcomes – sometimes resolved within hours, other times days, and even months for season-related contracts. They’re a focused way to put your knowledge of current events to the test.

Where to find event contracts on Crypto.com

You can find event contracts right inside the Crypto.com App. Just tap the Predict tab on the homepage. From there, you’ll land on a screen that shows the different contract categories: Politics, Economics and Sports, with more categories listed as ‘coming soon’.

Once inside a category, you'll see a range of open contracts. Tap on one to view the event question, the available positions, the price per contract and your potential payout. The layout is clean and beginner-friendly – no charts, graphs or complex interfaces.

As mentioned, contracts follow a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ structure. Prices reflect how likely the outcome is, based on the market. You can trade using cash or crypto, and start with as little as $1. When you’re ready, pick your side and place your trade. That’s it.

If you're exploring, the Predict screen is a great place to scroll through active questions and see what sparks your interest.

Please note that this guide is for educational purposes only and doesn’t constitute a recommendation for you or investment advice.

Types of event contracts to consider

1. Sports

If you follow a sport or team regularly, this is a great place to start. You might see contracts like "2025 Drivers Champion" or "Pro Baseball World Series". 

Sports contracts are also ideal for users who want to trade live events. If you're already tracking games, you’re halfway there. The outcome is usually clear and comes with minimal ambiguity, so it's an entry point for learning how contracts are priced and settled.

Since most games are scheduled in advance, you can plan your trades and manage your timing. And if you change your mind or want to exit early, you can do that too.

2. Politics 

Political contracts are ideal if you stay up to date on elections or major political events. Questions might include "Will Candidate A win the state primary?" or "Will this bill pass in the House?" These contracts can be for market participants who already follow campaign updates or legislative debates.

This category will increase in trading activity during election cycles or when major legislation is on the table. Political contracts often reflect real-time shifts in public opinion, media coverage, or campaign events. You can turn your understanding of current affairs into informed trading decisions.

Depending on when you trade, political outcomes may take longer to resolve. This means your funds are held for your trade unless you exit your position early. Timing matters here, so the exchange provides the event schedule and contract expiry dates.

3. Economics

Economic event contracts cover things like inflation reports, jobs data or Fed rate decisions. If you're a market watcher or someone who follows business headlines, this category provides trading opportunities.

These contracts often align with the economic calendar, so you’ll know in advance when key data releases are scheduled. They can also help sharpen your understanding of how markets respond to news.

That said, economic contracts can be more nuanced. You might need to understand how financial reports are interpreted and how that impacts market sentiment. Because of this, background knowledge about how the economy works is key.

How to pick your first event contract

Choosing your first event contract doesn’t need to be complicated. In fact, the best place to start is with something you already know. Here’s a practical three-step method to help you decide where to begin and how to make your first trade.

1. Pick a topic you follow

The easiest way to get started is to trade in an area you're already knowledgeable about. Think about the topics you naturally follow. Do you catch every basketball game? Follow election updates? Scan financial news over your morning coffee?

Choosing a topic you know enables you to evaluate the contract’s question and assess how likely the outcome is. For example, if you're a sports fan, you might be familiar with a team’s recent performance, injuries or trends. That insight can help you judge whether a prediction feels solid or shaky.

Still unsure? Head to the event contracts screen in the Crypto.com App and scroll through the active listings. 

2. Check the probabilities and outcomes

Once you’ve found a contract you understand, take a close look at the pricing. Every event contract is based on a Yes or No outcome. The price tells you what the market thinks will happen. If ‘Yes’ is priced at $0.70, the market believes there’s a 70% chance that outcome will occur.

A higher price means lower risk but also lower return. If you're looking to make a small gain with a higher likelihood of success, go with the more expensive option. If you're willing to take a bigger risk for a potentially higher payout, the lower-priced side might be more appealing.

Want to learn more about how pricing works? Check out this Crypto.com Predict tutorial.

3. Consider timing and payout

Timing is often overlooked. Some events resolve the same day, like a sports game. Others, like election outcomes or policy votes, might take days or even weeks.

If you're the type who likes quick feedback, choose contracts that settle within hours. Want to sit on it for a bit? That’s fine too – just make sure you're comfortable waiting. Every contract clearly shows the event date, so you know what to expect.

Crypto.com Predict also lets you exit early. If your side becomes more valuable as the event approaches, you can close out your position and lock in a profit—or cut your losses. And once the event is resolved, payouts happen quickly.

Tip: You’re not limited to one contract. If you're especially confident or want to test a few strategies, you can open multiple contracts at once.

Predict trading tips for beginners

If you’re just getting started with event contracts, a few simple habits can make a big difference. The goal here isn’t to master everything on day one – it’s to build confidence as you learn how prediction trading works.

Start by choosing events you already understand. If you're familiar with how a sports team is playing or closely follow politics, lean into that knowledge. The more context you bring, you can evaluate questions and probabilities.

Try to avoid niche or overly complex events at first. While they might seem intriguing, the ambiguity can make it harder to judge the outcome accurately. Stick with questions that are clear and straightforward for you.

It’s also smart to start small. Contracts can be opened with as little as $1, so there’s no need to overcommit. Use small amounts to trade, learn how pricing shifts over time, and learn the payout structure.

And remember, Predict is designed for learning and engagement, not as a source of income. It’s a fast-moving, short-term way to apply your knowledge, not a replacement for a long-term financial plan.

As you browse contracts, take time to read each question carefully. Understand exactly what’s being asked before placing a trade. If nothing stands out, it’s completely fine to sit out and wait for something you want to trade.

A few Predict features can help you stay flexible and in control:

• Exit early if the market shifts in your favor – or against you
• Get paid once the result is confirmed
• Use either cash or crypto to fund your contracts

Ready to get started?

1. Download the Crypto.com App
2. Open the Predict section
3. Pick your first event contract
4. Start predicting with just $1

Important information: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Event Contract markets are volatile and carry risk. Please consult a financial adviser before making investment decisions.

Prediction is an event contract that is a derivatives product offered by Crypto.com | Derivatives North America (CDNA), a CFTC-regulated exchange. Trading on CDNA involves risk and may not be appropriate for all. By trading you risk losing your cost to enter any transaction, including fees. You should carefully consider whether trading on CDNA is appropriate for you in light of your investment experience and financial resources. Any trading decisions you make are solely your responsibility and at your own risk.