Polymarket Seeks Expansion to Japan
BITmarkets Team
May 24, 2026
According to a Friday report from Bloomberg, citing sources familiar with the matter, Polymarket has appointed Mike Eidlin, head of Japan at crypto firm Jupiter, to lead local expansion efforts. The company is also preparing to advocate for regulatory approval of prediction markets in Japan, targeting authorization by 2030 and viewing the country as a significant untapped growth opportunity.
The move comes as prediction market operators, including Polymarket and competitor Kalshi, encounter mounting regulatory pressure across multiple jurisdictions.
Japan’s gambling regulations remain a major obstacle
Japan maintains strict rules around online gambling, allowing betting only on specific government-approved activities such as horse racing and public lotteries. Authorities have increased enforcement against online betting in recent years. Violations associated with online casino activity can carry penalties of up to approximately $3,400 and prison sentences of up to three years for repeat offenses.
Polymarket reportedly acknowledged existing demand in the region, stating: “We’re always evaluating opportunities to expand access globally in compliant and locally appropriate ways.” The company also said it has seen “meaningful organic interest from users” in Japan and across broader Asian markets. Despite its expansion ambitions, Polymarket had not responded to requests for comment at the time of publication.
Strong community interest contrasts with growing restrictions
Although Polymarket is still seeking approval to operate in Japan, the platform already maintains a Japan-focused X account with more than 53,000 followers — an unusually large regional community compared with its presence elsewhere.
At the same time, Japan remains listed among roughly 35 restricted jurisdictions under Polymarket’s country access policy, alongside the United States. Previous reports have suggested users in restricted markets may still access the platform using tools such as VPNs.
Meanwhile, trading activity has faced pressure amid regulatory challenges and stronger competition. According to data from Token Terminal, Polymarket’s monthly notional trading volume declined nearly 15% in April, while rival Kalshi recorded growth of around 13%.
Globally, Polymarket is reportedly blocked in approximately 34 countries and subject to “close-only” restrictions in four additional jurisdictions, according to Start Polymarket data. India is among the latest markets moving to restrict prediction platforms, with regulators reportedly preparing blocking measures against Kalshi following earlier action targeting Polymarket.
The developments highlight the increasing tension between growing demand for prediction markets and evolving regulatory approaches worldwide.
Sources:
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/05/15/japan/crime-legal/japan-sports-betting-survey/
https://cointelegraph.com/news/polymarket-seeks-japan-entry-global-regulatory-scrutiny
https://theprint.in/india/governance/polymarket-kalshi-india-prediction-markets/2937547/
