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Polymarket Reportedly Building In‑House Trading Desk to Trade Against Users

Reports point to an internal RFQ parlay desk, a move raising conflict-of-interest concerns during the platform’s U.S. comeback.

Overview

  • Bloomberg-sourced reports say Polymarket has approached professional bettors and traders to staff an internal market-making unit, though the company has not confirmed the plan.
  • This shift would position the platform as the counterparty to customer bets, making it operate more like a sportsbook rather than a neutral exchange.
  • Experts say the desk is expected to price complex parlays via a request-for-quote system, which could give the house a significant edge if executed correctly.
  • The development follows Polymarket’s fresh U.S. approval after a 2022 CFTC fine, with Brave New Coin noting the firm charges no trading fees despite reporting major backing from Intercontinental Exchange.
  • Critics warn of reputational and legal risks, citing a proposed class-action tied to Kalshi’s similar unit, while some industry voices argue in-house desks can enhance liquidity and pricing accuracy.