Novig Review (2026)
A licensed US peer-to-peer sports exchange with no traditional sportsbook vig, built for sharp bettors who want true-price markets.
Overview
Novig was founded in 2021 by Harvard graduates Jacob Fortinsky and Kelechi Ukah and launched to retail bettors in 2023. The platform is licensed as a sportsbook in each state it operates, but functions as a peer-to-peer exchange: users place bids and offers on sports outcomes, Novig matches them, and the platform earns a flat commission on net winnings rather than a book-side vig.
Because there is no sportsbook on the other side of the trade, Novig welcomes sharp bettors and does not limit winning accounts the way traditional US sportsbooks do. Lines are driven by real user demand, which tends to produce closer-to-fair odds on liquid markets, particularly major NFL and NBA games. Markets on less-trafficked sports and props have thinner liquidity than a traditional book, which is the trade-off for the pricing advantage.
Novig is a good example of where regulated US sports event contracts are heading: exchange-style pricing, sharp-friendly operation, state-by-state rollout. For a comparison against the other main players, see our best prediction markets for sports guide and Kalshi vs Polymarket breakdown.
Pros and cons
Pros
- No vig on matched bets, flat commission (typically ~1% of net winnings)
- Sharp-friendly: no winner limiting, high bet sizes
- Licensed and regulated as a sportsbook in each operating state
- True exchange-style pricing on major markets
- Transparent order book, visible bid/offer
Cons
- Limited state availability (check current list before signing up)
- Thinner liquidity on niche sports and props vs major sportsbooks
- Smaller promotional offers than traditional books
- Not a pure prediction market – it is a licensed sports exchange, so not available in states without a sports betting regulatory framework
Frequently asked questions
Is Novig legal in the US?
Yes. Novig is licensed as a sportsbook in each state it operates in and is regulated by state gaming authorities. It is not a federally regulated prediction market (like Kalshi), but a state-licensed sports exchange. See our legality explainer for the broader US framework.
How is Novig different from Kalshi’s sports contracts?
Kalshi operates federally under the CFTC and lists event contracts nationwide. Novig operates under state sports betting licenses and is only live where it has a sportsbook license. Kalshi’s contracts are exchange-style but legally structured as event contracts. Novig’s are legally structured as sports wagers, still exchange-style. Pricing mechanics are similar; legal framing is different.
How is Novig different from ProphetX?
Both are peer-to-peer US sports exchanges with similar commission models and similar state footprints. ProphetX has a slightly longer operating history and wider sport coverage; Novig tends to have a cleaner UI and is slightly more aggressive on liquidity incentives for new markets. Both are legitimate choices. Many sharp bettors maintain accounts at both.
What is the commission on Novig?
Typically around 1% of net winnings on matched trades, though this varies by market and promotion. There is no vig on the bet itself – the commission is only taken on winnings.
Is Novig a prediction market?
Novig is a peer-to-peer sports betting exchange, which is the functional cousin of a sports-focused prediction market. If your definition of prediction market is “any platform where users trade contracts on the outcome of future events,” Novig qualifies on mechanics. Legally it is a licensed sportsbook, not a CFTC-regulated event contract platform.
New to prediction markets?
Read our full guide: How do prediction markets work? – a complete 2026 explainer covering pricing, platforms, resolution, and legal status.