Cryptocurrency traders bet $1.5 million on the approval of the Bitcoin ETF.
By Brylle Uytiepo • January 7, 2024
Cryptocurrency traders bet $1.5 million on the approval of the Bitcoin ETF.
While the cryptocurrency world waits nervously for the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) ruling on spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) applications, a few bold traders are taking advantage of the chance to wager on the results, placing a whopping $1.5 million on the SEC’s approval decision by January 15.
The Cryptocurrency Betting Platform
These speculative bets have found a home on Polymarket, a gambling platform built on the Polygon network. Traders are split into two groups: those who are confident in the approval and are classified as “Yes,” and those who are skeptical and are branded as “No.” According to the current count, a sizable majority is betting on approval, but the constantly fluctuating prices of these bets reflect the volatility of the cryptocurrency market.
Approximately $1.5 million has been wagered as of this writing, with most people betting on a win. A “Yes” share costs $0.79, indicating that investors believe the ETF will be approved, while a “No” share costs $0.21, showing that investors are negative.
Prominent participants in this high-stakes wager include anonymous users such as “kiwi,” who possess a significant $421,000 worth of “Yes” shares. On the other hand, the leading “No” bet holder has a smaller stake of about $15,000. The shares’ erratic valuations reflect the ebb and flow of market sentiment as the SEC decision deadline approaches.
Conditions and Market Resolution
The market will resolve to “Yes” if any spot Bitcoin ETF receives SEC clearance by January 15, 2024, at 11:59:59 pm Eastern Time, according to the parameters provided by Polymarket. On the other hand, if no permission is given by the deadline, the market will say “No.” This puts traders in a position where they could make money or lose money depending on the SEC’s ultimate ruling.
Although Polymarket names the SEC as the principal source for resolution, it also notes that a consensus of reliable reporting might be used as a means of market settlement. Since the information will affect the financial results for individuals who participate in this risky venture, its veracity and accuracy will be crucial.
Reddit Responds with a Blend of Humor and Criticism
The cryptocurrency community, which is renowned for its lively debates, has not refrained from reacting to this reckless betting frenzy. The bets have drawn criticism from some Redditors, who called the players risky and like “putting up dollars to win dimes.” Going so far as to apologize to their “crypto grandkids” for what they were going to do, a poster in the Cryptocurrency subreddit alluded to possible losses. Another Redditor expressed concern about the seriousness of the situation, saying they were in danger of losing their child’s college fund.
The cryptocurrency community is waiting anxiously for the SEC’s ruling, anticipating not just the regulatory result but also the financial fate of individuals who have decided to take a chance on the volatile world of ETF approvals.