OpenAI fires employee for using confidential information in prediction markets

WIRED has learned that OpenAI , a major AI company, has fired employees for using confidential company information on prediction markets, including Polymarket .

OpenAI fires employee for using confidential info on prediction markets | TechCrunch
https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/27/openai-fires-employee-for-using-confidential-info-on-prediction-markets/

'OpenAI did not disclose the name of the employee in question, but said that it had fired him for using confidential company information to trade on prediction markets. An OpenAI spokesperson explained that this was a violation of company policy prohibiting employees from using inside information, including prediction markets, for personal gain,' the spokesperson said.

Prediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi allow people to bet on all sorts of real-world events. For example, on Polymarket, people are betting on things like 'What products will OpenAI launch in 2026?' and 'When will OpenAI go public?'

Insider trading is also prohibited in prediction markets, and Kalshi recently announced that it had suspended the accounts of an editor at MrBeast and a California gubernatorial candidate at the end of February 2026 on suspicion of insider trading.

Prediction marketplace Kalshi announces that it has suspended the accounts of MrBeast editor and California gubernatorial candidate for alleged insider trading - GIGAZINE

Prediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi treat everything like a gamble, but they call themselves 'financial platforms' rather than 'gambling sites.'

TechCrunch has reached out to OpenAI for comment on the layoffs, but has not received a response at the time of writing.