> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://cyphers-3138df4b.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Place a bet

> Step-by-step walkthrough of placing a private bet in the Cyphers app.

This guide walks you through placing a bet in the app. For a first-time setup (wallet, USDC, devnet), see the [Quickstart](/quickstart) first.

## Find the right market

Open **Markets**. Each card shows the question, the current pool split, the total staked, the close time, and the status badge.

Only markets in the **Betting** phase accept new bets. The status badge tells you at a glance.

## Pick a side and an amount

Click into a market. The bet panel shows:

* **YesNo markets:** YES and NO buttons.
* **MultiOutcome markets:** one button per option (`2` to `4` options).

Pick a side. Enter the amount in USDC (minimum `$1`). The app shows a live preview of the two fees and your projected payout.

## Confirm the transaction

Click **Bet** and approve the transaction in your wallet. The app walks through six stages:

| Stage        | What's happening                                              |
| ------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Validating   | Confirms the market is still open                             |
| Preparing    | Fetches current fees and encryption key                       |
| Encrypting   | Your browser scrambles your side with a fresh key             |
| Submitting   | Transaction lands on Solana (≈1 second)                       |
| Awaiting MPC | Arcium updates the pool with your encrypted bet (≈10 seconds) |
| Finalizing   | Your position appears in Positions                            |

You can leave the page after **Submitting** — the app picks up when you return.

<Warning>
  A key is saved to your browser's local storage so you can see your own side later. Clearing browser data removes it — but your bet and payout are safe. See [FAQ](/troubleshooting/faq#i-cleared-my-browser-data-can-i-still-claim).
</Warning>

## See your position

Open the **Positions** tab. Your bet shows your side (visible to you only), stake, locked-in odds, and current market status.

You can place multiple bets on the same market. Each becomes a separate position with its own key.

## What's next

* [Claim payout](/guides/claim-payout) — what to do when the market resolves.
* [Market lifecycle](/how-it-works/lifecycle) — the full timeline from bet to claim.
* [Dispute resolution](/guides/dispute-resolution) — how to flag a bad result.