Cole Goldberg on KFYR: Betting on Murder Verdicts

Prediction markets like Polymarket now let people bet on whether a defendant will be found guilty. In November 2026, Cole Goldberg, a national advocate for fair trials and due process, joined the KFYR+ news desk in Bismarck, North Dakota, for a live interview on why turning verdicts into wagers threatens due process and public confidence in the courts.

In his words

"Having personally gone through a criminal trial myself where my freedom was on the line, I can tell you there's absolutely nothing entertaining about that experience."
"What concerns me the most is the potential financial incentive to interfere with the process itself."
"Fair trials protect everyone regardless of allegation."

What the interview covers

  • Why betting on a criminal trial is different from betting on a football game or an election
  • How money riding on a verdict could create a reason to spread misinformation or pressure jurors
  • How betting odds can treat the presumption of innocence like a prediction contest
  • What courts can do now: juror screening for prediction market activity, clear rules against betting on cases, and stronger protections against outside influence
  • Why a not guilty verdict does not undo the financial, emotional and reputational cost of being accused

Why this conversation matters

This is not about defending any particular defendant or questioning what an alleged victim has experienced. It is about protecting the integrity of the justice system. Whether someone is found guilty or not guilty, that decision needs to rest on the evidence presented in court, not betting odds, social media or outside financial pressure.

Also in the news

Cole also discussed the issue on KTAL News Now in Shreveport. For more, see Cole's interview with AZFamily: Betting on Murder Trials.

Interview details

  • Station: KFYR+ (KFYR-TV), Bismarck, North Dakota
  • Format: Live news desk interview
  • Length: about 6.5 minutes
  • Watch on KFYR: kfyrtv.com

More from Cole: About Cole Goldberg  ·  AZFamily  ·  FOX 14 KARD  ·  Media and press  ·  Book Cole to speak