Resolution Source
A resolution source is the official reference used to decide the outcome of a prediction market after the event occurs.
In a prediction market, a resolution source is the named authority, data feed, website, document, or set of rules used to determine which outcome is correct. It tells traders in advance where the final answer will come from, such as an election commission, a sports league’s official results page, a government statistics release, or a blockchain oracle that reports off-chain data. The resolution source is usually specified when the market is created, along with timing and any edge-case rules.
It matters because payouts depend on the market resolving consistently and fairly. A clear resolution source reduces disputes, limits ambiguity, and helps users understand what they are actually betting on. For example, a market asking whether a candidate wins an election might resolve based only on the official certified result, not news projections or social media claims. In crypto-based prediction markets, the resolution source may be checked by an oracle or by a dispute process before smart contracts distribute funds.
Other terms in Prediction Markets
Conditional Token
A digital token whose value or payout depends on the outcome of a specific future event or condition.
Outcome Token
A digital token that represents a specific possible result in a prediction market and pays out if that result is confirmed.
Prediction Market
A prediction market is a trading venue where people buy and sell contracts tied to the outcome of future events.