Longshot, a prediction market platform, has gone live on the Base network, offering users a mix of free and paid contests. The launch is built around user engagement and a variety of contest formats, with no token required to participate.
Free and paid contests
The platform is rolling out with two tiers. Free contests let users test their forecasting skills without spending a dime, while paid contests put real money on the line. That split gives newcomers a way to learn the ropes before they commit, and it gives experienced bettors a chance to win something tangible.
Longshot says the diverse formats are meant to keep things interesting. Instead of a single type of wager, users get a range of options, which could help the platform stand out in a crowded field.
A token-free approach
Most prediction markets on blockchain networks require users to buy a native token before placing a bet. Longshot is skipping that step entirely. By not relying on tokens, the platform removes a layer of complexity that often scares off casual users. You don't need to figure out which cryptocurrency to buy or worry about price swings just to enter a contest.
That's a deliberate choice. The company emphasizes that the focus is on engagement and accessibility, not on building a token economy. For users who've been put off by the technical hurdles of other platforms, this could be a welcome change.
Built on Base
Longshot is running on the Base network, a blockchain platform that supports smart contracts and decentralized applications. The choice of Base gives the platform a solid technical foundation, though the company hasn't detailed why it picked this network over others.
Prediction markets have been around for years, letting people bet on everything from election outcomes to sports results. Longshot's twist is the token-free model, which could lower the barrier to entry and attract a broader audience.
The platform is live now, and users can start entering contests immediately. Longshot hasn't announced what contest categories it plans to add next, but the initial lineup is already available on the Base network.
