Webull adds event contracts to paper trading simulator
Webull added event contracts to its paper trading simulator on July 21, expanding the simulated environment to six asset classes alongside stocks, options, crypto, futures, and bonds. The upgrade also added professional-grade tools and OpenAPI access. The move marks Webull's first step into event-contract simulation and places the brokerage in closer competition with dedicated prediction-market platforms. The rollout applies to Webull's paper trading feature, not live trading.
Webull's paper trading entry matters because it exposes millions of retail brokerage users to event-contract mechanics without requiring them to open a separate prediction-market account. Users already paper-trade stocks and options on Webull can now simulate event contracts in the same interface, lowering the discovery barrier that has kept dedicated platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket niche. The OpenAPI access signals Webull may eventually let third-party tools route simulated trades, echoing the infrastructure play Kalshi just made with its Pro terminal.
Webull converts this simulator engagement into a live product, it would bring the largest retail brokerage audience yet to regulated event contracts. The race is now between prediction-native platforms building institutional-grade tools and mainstream brokers adding event contracts to existing retail stacks. Webull's move puts pressure on Robinhood and DraftKings to match the feature, since brokerages win by keeping users inside one ecosystem.
Kalshi's dual terminal launches this week show CFTC-registered platforms racing to professionalize their interfaces before competitors like Webull can convert their retail user bases into active event-contract traders.