Polymarket is gearing up for an exciting future with plans to launch its own native crypto token. However, this isn’t expected to happen for at least several months. The prediction market is also focused on making its comeback in the U.S. after facing a ban in 2022.
Recently, Polymarket received significant backing from the Intercontinental Exchange, which owns the New York Stock Exchange. This investment of $2 billion has valued Polymarket at an impressive $9 billion, setting the stage for its revival in the marketplace.
The company aims to re-establish its presence in the U.S. before rolling out the token. Currently, Kalshi, a competing prediction market, leads this sector. Recent data reveals Polymarket holds about 31% of the prediction market while Kalshi commands around 66%.
Polymarket CEO Shayne Coplan hinted about the token in a recent social media post, stirring up speculation once again. There have been whispers of a token for over a year, but specifics about its purpose remain unclear. The company suggests it may offer rewards to loyal users.
Despite setbacks, Polymarket thrived during the U.S. elections last year, igniting interest in betting on various outcomes, from politics to sports. A report from Dune highlights a surge in trading volume across prediction markets, totaling over $1.4 billion just last week. This uptick shows the growing popularity of predictive gambling, especially in the current political landscape.
Back in 2022, the CFTC penalized Polymarket for regulatory issues, putting it in a tough spot. Nonetheless, the platform’s user base expanded massively, and despite an FBI raid on Coplan’s home, investor confidence remained strong. Notable backers like Coinbase and Peter Thiel’s Founders Fund helped elevate Polymarket’s valuation even amid challenges.
The road ahead for Polymarket looks promising. In July, they acquired QCX, a regulated exchange, allowing them to return to the U.S. market. The CFTC recently gave them the green light to relaunch their prediction markets, signaling a strong comeback.
As speculation grows regarding the token’s launch, Polymarket has already opened a waitlist for U.S. users as they prepare for their official reopening set for October 2. Interest is palpable, with odds for a potential token announcement rising in the aftermath of Coplan’s recent post.
User reactions on platforms like Twitter show a mix of excitement and skepticism about the upcoming developments. As Polymarket navigates its comeback, it remains a key player to watch in the ever-evolving landscape of prediction markets. For more detailed insights and data, you can refer to the latest research findings on prediction markets, like this Dune report.