Onchain gambling keeps rolling with $14B quarter despite crypto slump: TRM Labs
Prediction markets surpassed onchain gambling in Q1 2026, reaching $36.6 billion in volume versus $14 billion for gambling, according to TRM Labs. Both sectors grew sharply through 2025: onchain gambling hit $51 billion and prediction markets $54 billion for the year, and volumes stayed elevated despite the broader crypto market correction. TRM said gambling’s resilience reflects a loyal, expanding user base rather than concentration risk alone. The sectors are converging on shared stablecoin infrastructure but face different crime risks: prediction markets are more exposed to insider trading concerns, while gambling platforms face greater money laundering risk. User activity is highly concentrated, with high rollers making up 6.3% of personal gambling wallets but driving 91.8% of volume since 2022. Even so, casual bettors and daily grinders are growing fast, showing broader participation beyond whales.
