They were initially based on research into prediction markets. However that research, while interesting, certainly wasn't able to ...predict... what would happen when highly funded commercial enterprises with massive marketing budgets started pushing them right in the middle of an already growing gambling epidemic.

So, yes, they are now fully gambling apps with little predictive value.

One of the great ironies of these apps is that people are actively demanding they act more like gambling and less like prediction markets. For example, prediction markets require insiders to participate to function effectively. But the people using these apps, and people who hate these apps alike want to ban insiders from using them to keep them "fair". This pushes the apps even further from prediction and toward gambling.

legit news orgs

Where are you finding those?

I'm not driving under the influence, I'm travelling under the influence.

These people are just sovereign citizens with a lot more money.

I don't think legality means anything in the US anymore. At least not for the rich.