Even as prediction platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi surged into the global mainstream in recent years, Japan ¡ª like its Asian neighbors China and South Korea ¡ª remained a no-go zone due to strict anti-gambling regulations. That may be starting to change, thanks to enterprising new startups that are finding ways to skirt regulations.
Leading the charge are homegrown platforms launched by Gen Z entrepreneurs. Spearheaded by seven-month-old Miraima, the apps allow users to wager on real-world events and win points that can be converted into monetary rewards such as gift cards ¡ª an indirect payout system that¡¯s similar to the workaround employed by pachinko, the country¡¯s $100 billion pinball gaming industry, to remain legal.
¡°It¡¯s a bit addictive,¡± said Ryoga Kamei, an IT engineer in his 20s who says he¡¯s earned more than ?10,000 a month in points on Miraima and similar apps. A soccer fan, he mostly bets on sports matches. ¡°I find myself opening the apps whenever I have a spare moment, or when there¡¯s news that might move the odds,¡± he said.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.