Polymarket, a decentralized prediction market, has sparked diplomatic protests due to its geopolitical betting markets. In 2024, bets on sensitive issues like Hezbollah conflicts and U.S. election outcomes drew global scrutiny. Critics, including foreign governments, argued these markets trivialized serious geopolitical events, prompting actions like Switzerland, France, Poland, and Singapore blocking Polymarket for violating gambling laws. The platform’s transparency and lack of betting caps amplified concerns, as large wagers could sway odds, potentially influencing public perception. Despite defenses from figures like Vitalik Buterin, who emphasized their role as information tools, the controversy led to an FBI raid on founder Shayne Coplan’s home, highlighting tensions between decentralized finance and international regulations. Polymarket’s geopolitical bets continue to challenge diplomatic norms.