Hundreds Line Up for NYC's 'First Free Grocery Store' Opened by Controversial Polymarket

Residents struggle with high food prices, but the store's ties to a gambling platform raise concerns.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Hundreds of New Yorkers have been lining up outside a new 'free grocery store' opened by the controversial prediction betting platform Polymarket. While the store offers much-needed relief from soaring grocery prices, Polymarket's business model has drawn scrutiny from regulators and lawmakers who view it as a form of unlicensed gambling. Despite the controversy, residents say they're grateful for the chance to access free food, even if the store's long-term viability remains uncertain.

Why it matters

Grocery prices in New York City have risen by over 65% in the past decade, leaving many low and middle-income residents struggling to afford basic necessities. The opening of a 'free grocery store' by Polymarket, a company under investigation for its gambling-like activities, highlights the desperation of New Yorkers facing economic hardship and the lengths they'll go to access affordable food, even if it means supporting a controversial business model.

The details

Polymarket, a prediction betting platform that allows users to gamble on world events, has opened a free grocery store in Manhattan that will be open from February 12-16, 2026. The store is being touted as the city's first-ever free grocery store, and hundreds of New Yorkers have lined up for hours to take advantage of the opportunity. While residents are grateful for the chance to access free food, the store's ties to Polymarket have raised concerns. New York Attorney General Leticia James has warned Americans against using the Polymarket platform, stating that it could cause significant financial damage. State Assembly member Clyde Vanel has also introduced a bill that would categorize Polymarket's prediction market contracts as unlicensed gambling.

  • The free grocery store opened on February 12, 2026 and will be open through February 16, 2026.

The players

Polymarket

A prediction betting platform that allows users to gamble on world events, including military actions and political outcomes. Polymarket is under heavy scrutiny for its business practices.

Leticia James

The New York Attorney General who has warned Americans against using the Polymarket platform, stating that it could cause significant financial damage.

Clyde Vanel

A New York State Assembly member who introduced a bill that would categorize Polymarket's prediction market contracts as unlicensed gambling.

Zohran Mamdani

The Mayor of New York City, who has long been an advocate for government-run grocery stores.

Tori Hall

A resident of Forest Hills, New York, who was one of the first in line at the free grocery store.

Dayna V.

A resident of East Harlem, New York, who was the very first person in line at the free grocery store.

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What they’re saying

“Times are hard. Things are very expensive, so this helps. It goes a long way.”

— Tori Hall, Forest Hills resident (The New York Post)

“If it is [a publicity stunt] then I got some free food coming out of here…This is exactly what a food bank does.”

— Tori Hall, Forest Hills resident (The New York Post)

“Groceries cost a lot. It's terrible.”

— Dayna V., East Harlem resident (The New York Post)

“I love Polymarket! I hope they … create more of it, and I hope this is really here to stay in the future.”

— Dayna V., East Harlem resident (The New York Post)

What’s next

The New York State Assembly is expected to vote on the bill introduced by Clyde Vanel that would categorize Polymarket's prediction market contracts as unlicensed gambling. The outcome of this vote could have significant implications for the long-term viability of the free grocery store.

The takeaway

The opening of a 'free grocery store' by the controversial Polymarket platform highlights the desperate need for affordable food options in New York City, but also raises ethical concerns about the company's business model. While residents are grateful for the temporary relief, the long-term sustainability and legality of this initiative remain uncertain.