Maksym Shtun: “Prediction markets could be only P2P”

During SBC Summit Lisbon 2026, we sat down with Maksym Shtun, Product Owner at Slotegrator, to discuss why prediction markets are growing and how they differ from traditional sportsbooks.

Maksym explains why the U.S. market is shaped by its unique regulatory structure, while global growth is being driven by crypto adoption, technology, and a younger generation already familiar with trading and financial markets.

"The U.S. is a totally different market in terms of regulation from the rest of the world. So, in the U.S., instead of a classical sportsbook, you can only have one license from the CFTC, instead of the 50 different ones you need if you are a sportsbook," Maksym explains.

"As to the rest of the world, people all over the world are now more open to crypto, and they are willing to take risks to get rewards, and this is why prediction markets are booming," he adds.

Maksym sums up the differences in how prediction markets are developing globally as such: "The U.S. is [about the] regulatory side. The rest of the world is just the popularization of crypto and technology."

He also breaks down the difference between fixed odds and peer-to-peer models, why operators need liquidity at launch, and how strong marketing and content teams can create relevant events that respond to local trends.

Maksym also addresses market dynamics - who joins prediction markets. "From my point of view, a lot of players migrate from sportsbooks to the prediction market," he notes.

"Why? Because they would never be restricted. They would never get limited to $10 per bet. This would never happen. The operator of the prediction market is not the enemy for the player," Maksym adds.

"The operator is not playing against the player. They are playing together. For the prediction market operator, it’s important that consumers bet more and more, and more. The operator is not trying just to get their commission, however."

Maksym contrasts this with how in traditional sportsbooks, players may be restricted as they are playing against the house. But there is a demographic reason behind interest in prediction markets as well.

"The second part [of why prediction markets are so popular] is the younger generation who are more interested in trading, stocks, and exchanges. It’s easier to enjoy prediction markets," he notes.

Maksym touches on prediction markets as a peer-to-peer and fixed-odds phenomenon, and notes that to him the fixed-odds option is just "horrible." He notes that sportsbooks with already existing infrastructure would be risking their sportsbook by venturing into fixed-odds prediction markets, a risk that is not worth it, he argues.

The conversation also covers the importance of transparent rules, reliable data sources, fair resolutions, sensitive topics, and the future regulation of prediction markets. Find out more high-impact interviews by Casino Guru News on the publication's official YouTube channel.

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