OpenAI has terminated an employee for using confidential company information to place bets on prediction markets, the artificial intelligence firm confirmed to Wired. The company alleges the individual used non-public details in connection with trades on platforms such as Polymarket.
A company spokesperson stated the actions violated a clear internal policy that prohibits employees from utilising inside information for personal profit, including on prediction markets. OpenAI did not disclose the identity of the dismissed worker.
Prediction Markets Under Scrutiny
Prediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi allow users to wager on the outcomes of future real-world events. Current markets on Polymarket, for instance, include bets on what products OpenAI will announce in 2026 and the timing of a potential company initial public offering (IPO).
These platforms often position themselves as financial information exchanges rather than gambling sites. Kalshi is a regulated exchange and earlier this week fined and banned a MrBeast editor for alleged insider trading, highlighting increased regulatory scrutiny of the sector.
Context and Precedents
The incident follows a recent case where an accountant won $470,300 on Kalshi by correctly betting against the cryptocurrency Dogecoin (DOGE). It underscores the significant sums involved in these markets and the potential incentives for misconduct.
OpenAI declined to provide further comment on the specifics of the employee's activities or any potential legal ramifications. The company's internal investigation and subsequent dismissal signal a firm stance on enforcing its confidentiality and ethics policies.