Japanese startups are using loyalty-point rewards instead of cash to build prediction market platforms, offering a workaround to the country's strict gambling laws.
Japan Startups Sidestep Gambling Rules with Loyalty-Point Prediction Markets: Bloomberg
29 June 2026 - 13:26 CEST
By Sandmark staff
According to a Bloomberg report, platforms such as Miraima let users predict the outcome of events ranging from sports matches to politics using virtual points earned through activities like watching advertisements or playing in-app games. Successful predictions generate more points, which can later be exchanged for rewards such as gift cards or payment-platform credits, rather than direct cash payouts.
The model has gained traction, with Miraima approaching one million monthly users since launching last November. Rival platform Poyp and gaming company Gumi have introduced similar point-based prediction services.
The report said the rapid growth has drawn attention from legal experts and policymakers, who warned the platforms could still face regulatory scrutiny despite avoiding direct cash betting.
The development comes as Japan emerges as a key market for prediction platforms. Polymarket is lobbying for regulatory approval by 2030.
