Opinion Market launched today as an on-chain platform that turns debates into betting markets, but with a twist: users are betting on opinions, not just real-world predictions. The product lets anyone back one side of a debate with USDC, starting from just $1, and create their own markets with custom questions and opposing views.
Hidden wagers via zero-knowledge proofs
While a market is open, participants can see how many people have joined each side, but the actual amounts staked remain hidden—enforced on-chain through zero-knowledge proofs. According to the project, this design aims to reduce herd behavior that often dominates betting environments, where users simply follow whichever side appears to have more money. Once the market closes, the hidden totals are revealed, and the side with the higher total wins. Losing funds are split proportionally among winners after fees, with payouts executed automatically on-chain.
Opinion Market runs on Binance Smart Chain, and users don't need a separate browser wallet. Wallets can be created via email, Google, or Telegram accounts through an embedded onboarding flow.
Social interface and reputation system
The platform's UI feels closer to a social app than a conventional prediction exchange. Users first encounter markets through a swipe-based feed similar to short-form video apps. They can swipe left or right on a question, see instant social feedback from other users, and then decide whether to place a bet. Users can also browse without connecting a wallet or spending any money.
Users can create their own markets by submitting a question, defining two sides, and picking a duration. AI is used for compliance and category suggestions. A creation fee of $20 USDC acts as spam protection. Standard markets run for one to four hours, while marathon markets can stay open for up to 24 hours.
The platform takes a 4% fee from the total pool on closed markets. Half goes to the platform, while the other half is split between the market creator and the referral system—each getting 25% of the fee pool. That referral mechanic provides a built-in growth incentive for users to bring in others.
Reputation also matters: users build influence through the quality of their calls, not through self-promotion. Opinion Market is testing whether belief-based markets can carve out a lasting category. If users respond to the mix of low-barrier betting, market creation, and social participation, the model could open a different path for on-chain products beyond traditional prediction markets.