Donald Trump says global betting markets are turning politics into a casino after a US soldier’s arrest.
Donald Trump said the world has “become somewhat of a casino” after a US soldier was accused of using confidential information to profit from prediction market bets linked to Nicolás Maduro.
Federal prosecutors said Gannon Ken Van Dyke allegedly placed more than $33,000 in bets on Polymarket shortly before Trump announced Maduro’s capture by US special forces in January. Authorities said the bets generated more than $409,000 in winnings.
Speaking at the White House, Trump said he was not aware of the case but would look into it. He added that he does not like the concept of political betting markets.
“They have predictive markets. It’s a crazy world,” Trump told reporters.
Van Dyke has been charged with unlawful use of confidential information, theft of nonpublic government data, commodities fraud, and wire fraud.
He appeared in court and was expected to be released on $250,000 bond. Another hearing is scheduled for April 28 in Manhattan federal court.
The case has also drawn attention because Trump-linked businesses have ties to the prediction market industry.
Trump Media & Technology Group announced plans last year to launch its own prediction platform, while Donald Trump Jr. joined Polymarket’s advisory board.
Polymarket said it flagged the suspicious trades and cooperated with investigators.
The scandal raises new questions about insider information, online betting platforms, and the growing overlap between politics, finance, and speculation.