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arky vs Polymarket: a Polymarket alternative on Arc
Polymarket is the largest prediction market and runs on Polygon with pUSD, a USDC-backed token. arky is a USDC-native trading terminal on Circle's Arc where prediction markets settled in USDC sit next to memecoins, spot trading and Scout, an AI agent. Choose Polymarket for depth; choose arky for one Arc terminal.
People searching for a Polymarket alternative usually want one of three things: a different jurisdiction, a different chain, or more than predictions in one place. arky is an answer to the last two. It is not a replacement for Polymarket's market depth.
Feature comparison
| arky | Polymarket | |
|---|---|---|
| Chain | Arc | Polygon |
| Collateral | USDC | pUSD, an ERC-20 on Polygon backed by USDC |
| Gas | USDC (Arc's gas token) | Polygon |
| Prediction markets | ✓ settled in USDC | ✓ |
| Resolution | Not stated here | UMA Optimistic Oracle |
| Memecoin launch | ✓ | Not stated |
| Spot trading | ✓ live prices | Not stated |
| Perpetuals | Not covered on this page | Polymarket Perps (hybrid exchange) |
| AI agent | ✓ Scout | Not stated |
| Referral / affiliate | ✓ | ✓ (pUSD rewards) |
| Getting funds in | Circle CCTP with Deposit and Send wizards | Bridge deposits from other chains; no Polymarket fee on USDC deposits or withdrawals |
| Custody | Your wallet signs every trade | Non-custodial |
Where Polymarket is strong
Polymarket calls itself the world's largest prediction market, and its catalog of politics, sports, crypto and world-event markets is far deeper than any newer venue. The Polymarket 101 describe a non-custodial model where trades settle through smart contracts and positions are public on chain. Markets resolve through the UMA Optimistic Oracle, where anyone can propose or dispute an outcome (Polymarket resolution docs). Per the Polymarket fee docs, makers never pay fees, takers pay a small fee only on certain markets, and geopolitical markets are fee-free. It also runs a referral program and, more recently, Polymarket Perps. If you want the most liquid odds on a headline event, Polymarket is the benchmark.
Where arky is different
- On Arc, in plain USDC. arky's prediction markets settle in USDC on Arc, where USDC is also the gas token. There is no wrapped collateral to think about. See prediction markets in USDC.
- Predictions plus memecoins plus spot. One balance, one terminal: take a position on an event, buy a new memecoin on its bonding curve, or trade spot, without bridging between apps. That is the idea behind the Arc trading terminal.
- An AI agent. Scout answers from live arky data, and can propose a trade for you to sign. It is useful for reading the news behind a market before you take a side. More in AI trading agent.
- Guided USDC flow. Deposit and Send wizards move USDC to and from Arc using Circle's CCTP.
New to the format? How prediction markets work explains shares, prices and settlement, and Polymarket alternatives covers the wider field.
Choose Polymarket if…
- You want the deepest liquidity and widest range of event markets.
- You rely on UMA-based resolution and Polymarket's long track record.
- You only trade predictions and do not need memecoins or spot.
Choose arky if…
- Your funds are USDC on Arc and you want to stay there.
- You trade predictions alongside memecoins and spot and want one terminal for all of it.
- You want an AI agent to research markets and draft trades.
Verdict
Polymarket is the category leader for prediction markets. arky is the Arc-native option that folds predictions into a broader trading terminal, priced and gassed in USDC, with Scout on hand. Prediction markets are regulated differently by country, so check each platform's terms for where you live. Start at app.arky.bet; Arc background at Arc docs and circle.com.
Related guides
- All arky comparisons
- arky vs Argus
- arky vs Bullcheese
- arky vs pump.fun
- arky vs Axiom
- Prediction markets guides
- Polymarket alternatives
FAQ
Is there a Polymarket alternative on Arc?
Yes. arky offers prediction markets settled in USDC on Circle's Arc, in the same terminal as memecoins, spot trading and the Scout AI agent. Polymarket itself runs on Polygon.
What currency does Polymarket use?
Polymarket trades in pUSD, a standard ERC-20 token on Polygon backed by USDC, according to its documentation. arky uses USDC directly on Arc, where USDC is also the gas token.
How does Polymarket resolve markets?
Polymarket uses the UMA Optimistic Oracle. Anyone can propose an outcome by posting a bond, and anyone can dispute it. Each market's written rules decide how it resolves, so read them before trading.
Can I trade memecoins and prediction markets in one app?
On arky, yes. The same USDC balance on Arc trades prediction markets, memecoins on a bonding curve and spot, and Scout, the AI agent, can propose trades across them for you to sign.
Are there Polymarket alternatives for crypto traders?
Yes. arky is one built for Arc and USDC, combining predictions with memecoins and spot. Polymarket remains the largest venue, and availability of any prediction market depends on your country, so check each platform's terms.