The WSJ reported on the State Department's demand for diplomats to refrain from betting online.

The US State Department has demanded that American diplomats not use confidential information on gambling websites and online forecasting services. This was reported on May 6 by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) newspaper with reference to an official memorandum of the department.

"Recent press reports express concern about the use of non-public information by U.S. government officials to place bets on online prediction markets. <...> All employees are reminded that the misuse of non—public information by Department employees for financial gain is a very serious offense and will not be tolerated," the memorandum says.

According to the newspaper, the document appeared shortly after the case of the American military, who pleaded not guilty in the case of using classified information to win $ 400 thousand. It was about betting on the overthrow of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

U.S. officials believe that an increase in the number of bets on such events may pose a threat to national security. The authorities are trying to prevent government employees from profiting in poorly regulated markets, where bets can be placed on the timing of a deal with Iran to the likelihood of a U.S. invasion of Cuba in 2026.

According to the WSJ, accurate and timely bets were made from a number of accounts last month, a few hours before the President of the United States, Donald Trump, announced a cease-fire with Iran. These bets brought the authors winnings ranging from tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars and prompted calls from some lawmakers to tighten regulation of online prediction markets.

The news is being updated