Polymarket Decides Taking Bets on the Outcome of a Rape Case Might Be a Bad Idea
The Cornell market’s terms
The market asked whether any of the Cornell Seven would be charged with a felony sex crime. Users could choose “Yes” or “No,” according to an archived version reported by Front Office Sports.
It opened on September 30 and was accessible to users outside the United States. When Polymarket took it down, trading volume had reached $451,633, and 72% of users had bet on “No.” Its rules called for a “Yes” result if a U.S. federal or state authority formally charged or announced an indictment against any of the seven for a felony sex crime.
Criticism over wagering
Advocacy groups for victims of sexual assault and violence criticized the market. The listing prompted wider objections to treating the possible outcome of a rape case as something to bet on.
Company defends its approach
Gizmodo said it contacted Polymarket about the Cornell market and its removal, but had received no response by publication. A company spokesperson did comment to Front Office Sports.
The spokesperson said markets provide “objective, data-driven insight” into important events and argued they can counter disinformation. The spokesperson described sexual assault on college campuses as deeply important and said the subject deserved greater transparency and attention.
Key points
- Polymarket removed a market about possible felony sex charges against seven Cornell fraternity members accused of rape.
- The market reached $451,633 in trading volume, with 72% of users betting “No.”
- The listing was available only to users outside the United States.
- A company spokesperson defended markets as a way to offer information about important events.