Pentagon Bars Troops From Betting on Prediction Markets With Nonpublic Information
The Pentagon has issued a new directive, announced by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, prohibiting troops from using nonpublic information to place bets on prediction markets. The directive aims to prevent adversaries from monitoring market activity for potential intelligence gains.
Peoria Bloomington, IL, October 22, 2026 —
The Pentagon has issued a directive prohibiting troops from using nonpublic information to place bets on prediction markets, a measure Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced. The stated aim is to prevent adversaries from monitoring activity in those markets for potential intelligence gains.
The directive addresses the use of information that is not public in connection with wagers on prediction markets. The summary of the announcement does not specify which markets are covered, how the restriction will be enforced or what penalties could apply to violations.
It also does not provide a date for the directive, explain whether it changes or replaces existing rules, or detail how the Pentagon expects to prevent adversaries from drawing intelligence from market activity. No specific examples of bets, information or incidents prompting the measure were provided.
The announcement links the restriction to concerns about the information that market activity could reveal. It does not state that adversaries have already used such activity to obtain intelligence, or identify particular countries, individuals or events connected to the policy.
Further details about the directive’s scope and implementation were not included in the available summary. The information provided establishes the central prohibition—troops may not use nonpublic information to place prediction-market bets—and the Pentagon’s stated rationale, but leaves the enforcement process and other operational details unspecified.
Story summarized from the original created by KONSTANTIN TOROPIN, Associated Press on www.centralillinoisproud.com, see more information here.
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