Polymarket Names Japan Rep, Targets 2030 Prediction Markets Approval

Hannan Mundia Published 22/05/2026

Polymarket has reportedly set its sights on Japan’s prediction market and has appointed a representative with the aim of approval by 2030.

Polymarket is one of the best-known decentralized prediction market platforms. It lets users trade shares based on the outcomes of real-world events, with trades being made through cryptocurrency. Prediction markets remain unevenly regulated worldwide, often falling between gambling, financial-services and consumer-protection rules.

Why Polymarket’s Japan expansion is important

With Polymarket seeking authorization to enter Japan, it will need to overcome a country that is known for maintaining strict laws around gambling and related activities.

Bloomberg reported that Polymarket has appointed Mike Eidlin to lead its Japan push. Eidlin is also head of Japan at Solana-based DeFi aggregator Jupiter, giving the company local crypto experience as it seeks approval.

An example of the political markets at Polymarket. Image credit: Polymarket

Japan, like many countries globally, does not have a dedicated framework for prediction markets currently, so existing gambling and financial rules are likely to come into play with Polymarket needing explicit regulatory approval.

In Europe, Malta is looking like being the first country to regulate the niche, and any progress there could directly affect Japan’s own approach to Polymarket and other similar platforms.

On a global level, more than 30 countries, including Australia and Germany, have local internet service providers that restrict or geoblock the platform. Since using a VPN is against Polymarket’s terms of service, it’s tough for residents of these countries to use the platform’s services.

In many markets, regulators treat these products through existing betting or gambling laws, which often require national licenses. In Australia and Germany, for example, betting laws require national licensing, creating barriers for platforms such as Polymarket.

Polymarket isn’t the only platform of its nature to face restrictions, as Kalshi has encountered similar obstacles in recent month.

Will Polymarket start operating in Japan?

Polymarket reportedly hopes to begin operations in Japan’s prediction market by 2030.

Japan does allow some forms of state-sanctioned wagering, though any approval would likely require a tailored structure and close regulatory alignment. The platform may also need to adapt its markets to local rules and sensitivities.

For example, markets tied to government-related activities are likely to face particular scrutiny in Japan. The country has also taken a cautious approach toward crypto-related businesses, which could create another hurdle for Polymarket as it works to make the expansion possible in the next few years.

Feature image credits: Polymarket

Hannan Mundia

About Hannan Mundia

Hannan Mundia is a lifelong gamer. Don’t believe us? Just ask him. But don’t ask how many hours he’s spent playing. He’s been gaming since the age of three, and much of his live revolves around video games and the video game industry. Whether it’s a classic Legend of Zelda game from Nintendo, the newest Bethesda RPG, or something else entirely, you can bet that Hannan is ready and willing to play it.

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