Polymarket Paid Creators to Post Fake Bets, WSJ Exposes

Polymarket, the crypto-based prediction platform, recently paid social media creators to post deceptive videos featuring fake, lucrative bets to boost engagement, according to a new investigation by The Wall Street Journal.

Simulated Platforms and Coordinated Amplification

The Wall Street Journal analyzed over 1,100 videos promoting Polymarket alongside instructional briefs provided directly to digital influencers. The investigation uncovered that many of these promotional clips were filmed using “near-perfect copies” of the actual Polymarket website. These simulated environments showcased fabricated trades and massive, unrealized winnings. To maximize reach, a marketing contractor deployed a coordinated “social-media army” to artificially amplify the deceptive footage across various platforms.

Hidden Sponsorships and Creator Disclosures

According to the report, Polymarket explicitly instructed these influencers to conceal their financial relationship with the platform. It was only after investigative journalists began pressing for answers that creators started updating their social media bios to include the tag “@polymarket partner.”

The ‘Fast Food Commercial’ Defense

Razeen Khan, a college student who produced content for Polymarket until March, defended the promotional tactics by comparing them to traditional advertising strategies. Khan likened the practice to fast-food commercials that present stylized, idealized versions of products, stating, “We’re depicting what actually happens.”

Polymarket Promises Internal Audit

In response to the allegations, Polymarket asserted its dedication to “maintaining accurate, fair, and transparent markets.” To address the controversy, the prediction market operator announced plans to conduct a comprehensive audit of its promotional materials and marketing content.