Polymarket Probes Dozens of Israeli Election Bets From 100s of New Accounts
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Oct 29
Polymarket Probes Dozens of Israeli Election Bets From 100s of New Accounts
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Oct 29
Summary
Dozens of suspicious Israeli election bets are under investigation after hundreds of newly created accounts piled into wagers backing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Likud just before polls closed Tuesday.
Polymarket said it reported the activity to law enforcement, after data firm Polysights flagged “massive inflows” of YES bets from fresh wallets within 24 hours.
The episode adds to mounting scrutiny of prediction markets that have drawn billions in trading volume but face concerns over manipulation, insider information and possible gambling-law violations.
Recent cases have sharpened those concerns: Israeli authorities in February charged 2 people over Polymarket bets tied to classified military information, and Kalshi in August barred George Santos over a separate wager.