Polymarket in focus as CFTC is pushed to ban gambling on US elections

• Polymarket’s popularity raises fears of corruption and undue election influence.
• Lawmakers urge CFTC to ban election betting, citing democracy trust concerns.
• Senators stress elections shouldn’t be influenced by wealthy individuals’ bets.

Polymarket, a predictions market operating on the Polygon blockchain, has come under scrutiny as US lawmakers intensify efforts to ban gambling on American elections.

Spearheaded by Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley, a group of legislators is urging the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to finalize and implement a proposed rule that would prohibit betting on American election outcomes.

The lawmakers argue that such markets could erode public trust in democracy, lead to corruption, and influence election results.

Polymarket success puts it at cross roads

Polymarket allows users to buy shares using USD Coin (USDC) and trade on various event outcomes, including elections, sports, and cryptocurrency prices.

Its transparency and diverse betting options have garnered significant popularity, evidenced by over 1.5 million bets and a total trading volume exceeding $1 billion in July alone.

However, this success has also made Polymarket a focal point in the debate over election gambling.

Letter to CFTC Chairman Rostin Behnam

In a letter to CFTC Chairman Rostin Behnam, Senators Merkley, Richard Blumenthal, Chris Van Hollen, Elizabeth Warren, and Sheldon Whitehouse, along with Representatives Eleanor Holmes Norton, Jamie Raskin, and John Sarbanes, expressed grave concerns.

They emphasized that allowing betting on elections commodifies the democratic process, shifting voter motivations from political convictions to financial calculations.

The lawmakers warned that such markets could allow wealthy individuals and corporations to exert undue influence over election outcomes.

The letter highlighted the risks of election gambling, including the potential for corruption and the undermining of voter confidence.

The lawmakers stressed that elections are not-for-profit enterprises and should remain free from the influence of big money bets. They called on the CFTC to act swiftly to implement the proposed rule and prevent the further commodification of US elections.

As the 2024 election approaches, the debate over election gambling and platforms like Polymarket continues to gain momentum.

The outcome of this regulatory push could have significant implications for the integrity of the US electoral process and the future of political betting markets.