Prediction market giant Polymarket is facing fresh scrutiny after a POLITICO investigation revealed that its chief marketing officer, Matthew Modabber, allegedly paid hundreds of social media influencers to promote the platform.
According to POLITICO, Modabber used a personal PayPal account to send more than $350,000 to content creators between January 2025 and February 2026. The report says at least 20 influencers posted about Polymarket hundreds of times on X after receiving payments, often without clearly disclosing sponsored relationships.
The influencers reportedly came from across the political spectrum, including conservative and progressive commentators with large online followings. Many highlighted Polymarket’s predictions on elections, government policies and major news events, helping expand the company’s reach during a period of explosive growth.
Polymarket defended the partnerships as standard marketing practice, saying it routinely works with creators and organizations to broaden awareness of its platform. However, questions have emerged over disclosure requirements and the use of a personal account for business-related payments.
The controversy arrives as prediction markets gain mainstream attention and face increasing regulatory scrutiny in the United States. With Polymarket preparing a return to the U.S. market, the debate over influencer marketing, transparency and online influence is likely to intensify.
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