WSJ Review Finds Polymarket Promotional Bets Were Not Real

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) said it reviewed more than 1,000 videos, along with instructional materials provided to content creators, and found that seven out of 10 Polymarket videos reviewed showed creators placing bets, Andrew Nusca reported for Fortune Tech.

Polymarket promotional videos are under scrutiny after reports claimed that many featured simulated trades rather than actual wagers. (Photo: Polymarket X)

According to the report, none of the bets—representing roughly $2 million in apparent wagers—was real, despite many creators reacting to media coverage as though they had won actual bets.

Polymarket reportedly paid creators thousands of dollars per month and instructed them not to disclose their relationship with the company.

The company told the Journal that it was committed to maintaining "accurate, fair, and transparent" markets and would audit its active promotional campaigns.

Federal advertising laws require truthful representations and disclosure of paid endorsements. Commodities law, which covers prediction markets, also prohibits deceptive and misleading practices.

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), which oversees prediction markets, has previously taken enforcement actions against firms accused of using simulated trades or making false claims about winnings.