Suspicious trades make millions with bets tied to U.S. military operations
A new trend has emerged where individuals are betting on U.S. military operations, with over a billion dollars wagered this year alone. Allegations have surfaced against a U.S. Army soldier who reportedly used classified intelligence to place bets on military actions, netting over $400,000. This situation raises concerns about insider trading in the context of prediction markets related to military conflicts.
- ▪More than a billion dollars has been staked online on military decisions and outcomes this year.
- ▪U.S. Army soldier Gannon Ken Van Dyke is accused of using classified intelligence to place bets on a military operation.
- ▪The Justice Department alleges Van Dyke made wagers totaling roughly $34,000 and netted over $400,000 from his bets.
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60 Minutes - Newsmakers Online prediction market traders make millions betting on U.S. military operations .chip { background-image: url('/fly/bundles/cbsnewscore/images/chip-bgd/chip-bgd-60-minutes.jpg'); } By Jon Wertheim, Jon Wertheim Correspondent, 60 Minutes L. Jon Wertheim is an accomplished journalist and 60 Minutes correspondent. Read Full Bio Jon Wertheim, Andrew Bast, Jessica Kegu May 17, 2026 / 7:17 PM EDT / CBS News Add CBS News on Google The war with Iran and the U.S. military operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro have carried the usual hallmarks of conflict: soldiers, strategy, casualties, cost. But they've also been accompanied by a new feature: betting on war.
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