Meta Is Preparing the Arena App — a Polymarket Alternative Without Real-Money Bets

Meta is working on a new standalone app called Arena, set to compete with event prediction platforms such as Polymarket and Kalshi, The New York Times reports.

According to the publication, the project was initiated by Mark Zuckerberg and currently holds priority status within the company, signaling its strategic importance for Meta. Arena is planned as a standalone app with no direct ties to Facebook or Instagram, though the company may leverage its core social platforms to drive user acquisition.

At launch, the service will not involve real money — users will be able to make predictions on various events and earn points for correct answers. This approach effectively turns the product into a gamified platform, with the primary focus on user engagement and interest rather than financial stakes.

At the same time, Meta has not ruled out expanding the functionality in the future to include the option of using real money.