Polymarket apologizes for allowing wagers on fate of U.S. pilots downed in Iran
Source: NBC News
April 4, 2026, 12:29 PM EDT
Prediction market platform Polymarket issued an apology for allowing users to place bets on the fate of American pilots aboard a U.S. fighter jet downed over Iran.
A two-seater F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down on Friday, according to a U.S. official. One crew member was rescued, but the other remains missing. In a since-deleted market, users were able to wager on when the pilots might be rescued, with the majority predicting a Saturday rescue. "US confirms pilots rescued by...?" the market read.
Rep. Seth Moulton, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served in Iraq, slammed the market in a post on X, noting that bets were being placed as a dangerous search and rescue operation was ongoing in Iran.
"They could be your neighbor, a friend, a family member," the Democrat from Massachusetts wrote. "And people are betting on whether or not they'll be saved.". "This is DISGUSTING," he added.