Intercontinental Exchange Bets $2 Billion on Polymarket in Landmark Crypto Deal

Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), parent company of the New York Stock Exchange, is making a seismic move into prediction markets with a $2 billion investment in blockchain-based Polymarket. The deal values the platform at approximately $8 billion, marking the largest private funding round in crypto history.

Polymarket's unconventional model allows users to wager on real-world events—from elections to pop culture—using blockchain technology. After previously exiting the U.S. market due to regulatory scrutiny, the platform now prepares for a relaunch with ICE's formidable backing.

The strategic rationale extends beyond gambling. ICE plans to mine Polymarket's betting data to create institutional-grade "sentiment indicators." These real-time pulse checks on public opinion could become valuable tools for traders analyzing market-moving events.