A Democratic congressman has criticized Polymarket for allowing users to place bets on the date of the confirmed rescue of Air Force service members shot down over Iran. Representative Seth Moulton described such markets as a ‘dystopian death market’ in a social media post, emphasizing that the individuals involved could be friends or family.

The congressman’s concerns are not limited to this incident; he has recently banned his staff from participating in similar prediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi. This move reflects growing unease with platforms that monetize uncertainty around real-world events.

In response, Polymarket stated it had taken the market down immediately for not meeting the company’s integrity standards, acknowledging that the listing should not have been posted and promising to investigate internal safeguards.

Polymarket has previously seen substantial trading on contracts related to the bombing of Iran by the United States and Israel. This incident highlights ongoing debates about whether financial markets can appropriately price events involving human lives and well-being.