Devexpertshas launched a new software system that lets CFD and exchanges build platformsfor event-based trading, a market segment that's been picking up steam as U.S.regulators ease restrictions on prediction markets.Untilrecently limited mainly to the cryptocurrency sector (and picked up last yearby Robinhood) event contracts have become one of the most talked-about productsin recent months. Theoffering from Devexperts could prompt prop firms and the CFD industry to adoptthem as well. The question is, however, whether this marks a return to binaryoptions, which have been banned since 2018.Industry Rushes to MeetRetail Interest“Traderslove prediction markets,” Devexperts says on its dedicated webpage promotingthe new offering. And while betting on the release date of the next GTA or onwhether aliens will land in the United States may seem far removed frominvesting, and closer to gaming or gambling, traders have indeed becomeenthusiastic about this market.AtRobinhood, investors already have 24/7 access to prediction markets. Coinbaseis reportedly building its own service with Kalsu to compete with Polymarket,and even derivatives giant CME is moving into this hybrid gambling-investmentspace aimed at retail users.Now,Devexperts is joining the race, targeting CFD brokers and prop-trading firms. Thesoftware developer says it can deliver either a complete event trading systemor components that plug into a firm's existing infrastructure. Clients get acustomizable interface, contract management tools, and a matching enginedesigned to handle the unique demands of event markets."With our proprietaryprototype we can deliver an event based trading platform, either in part forintegration or as a full standalone product, in a timely and cost-effectivemanner that allows firms and exchanges to begin providing these services quicklyand efficiently," Jon Light, senior director of product management atDevexperts, said in a statement.Event-basedtrading lets users bet on outcomes ranging from election results to sportsmatches. The model has attracted retail participation as regulatory barriershave come down, with several companies racing to capture market share.What’sInside?Devexperts'system builds on technology from its DXtrade platform and DXmatch engine,products the company has developed over two decades in capital marketssoftware. The new offering addresses technical challenges specific to eventmarkets, including round-the-clock uptime requirements and the need to createand settle contracts quickly.Theplatform handles contract creation and resolution without manual intervention,using API connections to speed up administrative tasks. Its modular designallows operators to update individual components without taking the wholesystem offline – a necessity when markets run 24 hours a day.For certainevent types, the system can introduce deliberate latency to preventfront-running. That's particularly relevant for live sporting events, whereinformation advantages can distort markets.The launchcomes as multiple players eye the event trading space. Regulatory shifts in theU.S. have opened doors for prediction markets, creating opportunities fortechnology providers that can deliver compliant systems at scale.The firmhasn't disclosed pricing or named any clients for the new offering.StillInvesting or Already Binary Options Gambling?Lookingobjectively at how event contracts work, they bear a strong resemblance tobinary options, making them a highly speculative product. If they gain realtraction among CFD brokers, those firms will likely profit significantly. Thequestion is what this would mean for clients.Earlierthis year, in an analysis of the market that Jack Such of Kalshi, responsiblefor business and media development, described as a future “trillion-dollarasset class,” FinanceMagnates.com asked whether this is still trading oralready gambling.Kalshiitself has confirmed that some event contracts "are structured as binaryoptions,” a product category banned in Europe years ago due to gamblingconcerns. The company has been locked in a legal battle with the CFTC overpolitical event contracts since 2023, though a district court ruled in Kalshi'sfavor last September.This article was written by Damian Chmiel at www.financemagnates.com.