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Polymarket Seeks Japan Approval to Launch Prediction Markets by 2030

Polymarket Seeks Japan Approval to Launch Prediction Markets by 2030

According to Bloomberg, Polymarket has appointed Mike Eidlin, Jupiter’s head of Japan, to help pursue legal approval for prediction markets in Japan by 2030 amid regulatory caution.

JUP

Fact Check
The claim is strongly supported by a Bloomberg report dated May 22, 2026 ('Polymarket Is Said to Seek Japan Market Approval in Global Push'), which is the original primary source citing people familiar with the matter. Reuters Japan independently covered the same story, adding the specific detail that Mike Eidlin (formerly of Jupiter) is leading Polymarket's Japan efforts, while noting it could not immediately confirm the Bloomberg report independently. PANews, Cointelegraph, and Wu Blockchain all consistently relay the same core facts: a 2030 approval target, appointment of a local representative for lobbying, and Japan's current blocking of Polymarket users due to strict gambling laws. The minor caveat is that Bloomberg's sourcing is anonymous ('people familiar with the matter') and Polymarket did not comment, meaning this is a credible but unconfirmed-by-company report. No conflicting evidence was found.
Summary

Bloomberg reports that Polymarket has appointed Mike Eidlin, head of Japan at cryptocurrency exchange Jupiter, as a representative in Japan as it pursues legal approval to operate prediction markets in the country by 2030. The company currently does not operate in Japan because of legal and regulatory barriers, and earlier reporting indicated it was preparing lobbying efforts to support market entry. The issue was raised in Japan’s parliament on May 21, after which Japan’s Financial Services Agency reportedly took a cautious stance, suggesting approval could face regulatory resistance even as Polymarket advances its long-term expansion strategy.

Terms & Concepts
  • Prediction markets: Markets where participants trade on the outcomes of future events, with prices reflecting perceived probabilities.
  • Polymarket: A crypto-based prediction market platform where users speculate on political, economic, and other real-world events.
  • Lobbying: Organized efforts to influence government policy or regulatory decisions through advocacy and formal representation.