According to sources familiar with the matter, global prediction market platform
Polymarket has appointed Mike Eidlin to lead its efforts in Japan as it prepares
to lobby for government authorization by 2030. The New York-headquartered firm
currently blocks Japan-based users due to strict domestic gambling laws, but it
sees the country as a major untapped business opportunity. While Japan's Penal
Code strictly punishes unauthorized gambling, exceptions exist for
government-regulated markets, and the country plans to open its first legal
casino resort in 2030. Ahead of formal approval, Polymarket plans to grow its
local presence organically via social media, where its Japanese X account
already has over 53,000 followers.