Pentagon bars troops from betting on prediction markets after insider scandal

A new Pentagon directive bans all military personnel and civilian employees from using non-public information for trades on Polymarket, Kalshi or similar platforms. The order follows charges against Special Forces soldier Gannon Ken Van Dyke, who allegedly turned a $33,000 bet into more than $404,000 by predicting the capture of Nicolás Maduro.

Van Dyke placed the wagers between December 27 and January 2. When U.S. forces seized Maduro on January 3 during Operation Absolute Resolve, his position paid out handsomely. Prosecutors say he relied on classified operational details.

Defense Secretary Hegseth warned that market movements can reveal troop movements and timelines to foreign intelligence. Violators now face administrative penalties, court-martial or federal prosecution.

Based on information from cryptonews.net